Clinical evaluation of the effects of radiographic distortion on the position and classification of mandibular third molars.
OBJECTIVE
Panoramic radiographs are routinely employed for surgical planning of unerupted third molars. The objective of this study was to evaluate distortions in the position of mandibular third molars on panoramic radiographs.


METHODS
Panoramic radiographs of 14 patients with indication for extraction of the mandibular third molars were used. Transurgical impressions of the crowns of the teeth to be extracted and adjacent second molars (n=19) were achieved with addition silicone and poured with type IV plaster for comparison of the inclinations of the third molars on the radiographs and study casts.


RESULTS
There was a mean difference of -5.37 degrees between the position of the third molar on the panoramic radiograph and on the study cast (standard deviation 1.46, P<0.05, Student's t-test).


CONCLUSIONS
There is distortion in the position of teeth on the panoramic radiograph, which may influence the surgical planning; however, this does not invalidate it as the main tool for diagnosis and surgical planning of mandibular third molars.
Sant'Ana
L F M
LF
Department of Stomatology, Bauru Dental School, University of São Paulo, Alameda Dr. Octávio Pinheiro Brisolla 9-75; Vila Universitária, Bauru-Sp, Brazil, CEP 17.090-100. lfmsantana@uol.com.br
Giglio
F P M
FP
Ferreira
O
O
Sant'ana
E
E
Capelozza
A L A
AL
D016477:Artifacts; D002965:Classification; D006801:Humans; D003765:Models, Dental; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D009811:Odontometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery