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.
