Incidental Pathologic Findings from Orthodontic Pretreatment Panoramic Radiographs

Phumzile Hlongwa (), Mpule Annah Lerato Moshaoa, Charity Musemwa and Razia Abdool Gafaar Khammissa
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Phumzile Hlongwa: Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Mpule Annah Lerato Moshaoa: Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Charity Musemwa: Department of Orthodontics, School of Oral Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
Razia Abdool Gafaar Khammissa: Department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 4, 1-10

Abstract: Panoramic radiography is frequently performed for new patients, follow-ups and treatment in progress. This enables dental clinicians to detect pathology, view important structures, and assess developing teeth. The objective of the study was to determine prevalence of incidental pathologic findings (IPFs) from orthodontic pretreatment panoramic radiographs at a university dental hospital. A retrospective cross-sectional review was conducted of pretreatment panoramic radiographs, using data collection sheets with predefined criteria. Demographic data and abnormalities (impacted teeth, widening of periodontal ligament, pulp stones, rotated teeth, missing teeth, unerupted teeth, crowding, spacing, supernumerary teeth, and retained deciduous teeth) were reviewed. SPSS 28.0 was used to analyze data with statistical tests set at a 5% significance level. Results: One hundred panoramic radiographs were analyzed with an age range of 7 to 57 years. The prevalence of IPFs was 38%. A total of 47 IPFs were detected with altered tooth morphology predominantly (n = 17). Most IPFs occurred in males (55.3%), with 44.7% in females. A total of 49.2% were in the maxilla and 50.8% in the mandible. This difference was statistically significant ( p < 0.0475). Other abnormalities were detected in 76% of panoramic radiographs; 33 with IPFs and 43 without. A total of 134 other abnormalities detected showed predominantly impacted teeth (n = 49). Most of these abnormalities were in females (n = 77). Conclusions: The prevalence of IPFs was 38%, predominated by altered tooth morphology, idiopathic osteosclerosis, and periapical inflammatory lesions. Detection of IPFs from panoramic radiographs underscored the importance for clinicians to examine them for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment planning, especially in orthodontics.

Keywords: incidental pathologic findings; orthodontic pre-treatment; panoramic radiograph (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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