Abstract

Panoramic radiography (PR) is a fundamental imaging modality in dental diagnostics, providing comprehensive visualization of teeth and jaws. However, radiopaque materials—particularly metals—can introduce significant artifacts, obscuring critical anatomical landmarks in the maxillofacial region and diminishing diagnostic accuracy. The timely identification and management of such artifacts are essential to maintain image integrity and ensure accurate clinical evaluation. This report presents two rare cases of incidental radiopaque findings (ithmid kohl) in the orbital region detected via PR. Through clinical assessment and radiographic interpretation, these opacities were correctly identified, highlighting the importance of clinician awareness regarding uncommon radiopaque appearances. These cases underscore the diagnostic value of PR not only in dental evaluation but also in the incidental detection of non-dental pathologies. Moreover, they demonstrate how recognizing atypical radiopacities can aid in differential diagnosis and prevent misinterpretation, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes.

Key words: Artifact, dentistry, radiography, foreign bodies