According to the SLOB rule, if the X-ray moves towards the mesial, which root will also move mesially?

The SLOB rule, which stands for "Same Lingual Opposite Buccal," is a principle used in radiographic interpretation to determine the position of dental roots or other structures in relation to a plane of reference. It states that when an X-ray beam is directed towards the mesial of a tooth, any structure positioned lingually will appear to shift in the same direction (mesially), while structures positioned buccally will appear to shift in the opposite direction (distally).

In this context, if the X-ray moves towards the mesial, the lingual root will also be visualized as moving mesially. This is because the lingual root is situated on the side opposite the buccal side, which follows the rule's guideline. The lingual root's position relative to the X-ray beam will show a movement that aligns with the beam’s direction. Therefore, understanding the SLOB rule is crucial for interpreting X-ray images effectively and assessing root positions accurately.