Panoramic radiographs made before complete removable dental prostheses fabrication: A retrospective study of clinical significance
Available online 23 December 2016 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.prosdent.2016.09.034
Abstract
Statement of problem
The
value of digital panoramic radiographs to screen for problems before
fabricating conventional complete removable dental prostheses is
unclear.
Purpose
The
purpose of this retrospective study was to examine the influence of
pretreatment digital panoramic radiographs on the clinical management of
patients receiving complete removable dental prostheses.
Material and methods
The
clinical records, including panoramic radiographs, of 169 patients
seeking new complete removable dental prostheses over a 6-year period
were interpreted independently by both a prosthodontist and an oral and
maxillofacial radiologist to identify radiographic findings that
influenced clinical patient management. A 95% confidence interval and an
observed proportion of agreement were used to interpret the results.
Results
Sixty
percent of the 169 radiographs examined had 1 or more abnormal or
positive radiographic findings; however, only 6 (<4 165="" 3="" abnormalities="" and="" clinical="" detected="" during="" examination.="" identified="" influenced="" management="" of="" p="" patient="" the="" them="" were="">
Conclusions
Pretreatment
digital panoramic radiographs revealed very few abnormalities that
influenced the treatment of patients requiring complete removable dental
prostheses. Furthermore, the digital images in this study revealed
positive findings at a rate similar to those found in studies assessing
analog radiographs, reinforcing current guidelines that recommend
against radiographic screening of patients who seek new complete
removable dental prostheses.
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