Analysis of Panoramic Images of Orthodontic Patients

Abstract

Panoramic imaging is the most widely requested radiographic technique in dentistry. In orthodontics, the clinical and radiographic examinations are routinely carried out along with dental and skeletal photographs as a part of diagnosis and treatment planning. The evaluation of radiographs of patients after orthodontic treatment is important in understanding the possible changes that tend to occur post-treatment. This study aims to analyze the incidental findings present in the radiographs of patients who previously underwent orthodontic treatment. A total of 30 patients (18 females; 12 male) were randomly selected from the Orthodontic clinic at the Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Chennai. Two independent examiners analyzed the panoramic radiographs for anomalies and pathologies. The result showed the most common finding, which was periodontal pathology (Generalised bone loss, widening of periodontal ligament space, or both, loss of lamina dura) with a prevalence of 36.7%. All the patients taken into the study had at least one anomaly. In conclusion, the relevant findings were observed in all the radiographs & special care should be taken while evaluating them to diagnose alterations that may require other dental treatments.