Technique for linear measurement on panoramic and periapical radiographs: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to compare vertical and horizontal periodontal measurements of posterior teeth on standardized panoramic and intraoral radiographs.


METHODS
Standardized panoramic and periapical radiographs were made of 16 human skulls using ball bearings placed on the maxillary first molars to allow adjustment for horizontal and vertical magnification.


RESULTS
At 14 of 19 measurement sites there was no significant difference between measurements on the 2 radiographic film types. At 4 sites vertical measurements on panoramic radiographs were significantly larger than on periapical radiographs (0.80 to 1.37 mm). At one site horizontal measurements were significantly greater on periapical radiographs (0.88 mm).


CONCLUSIONS
If there is adjustment of the raw data for magnification as suggested in this study, panoramic radiographs may be used for measurement studies in the posterior region once the patients are positioned appropriately within the focal trough of the machines and the magnification range for the posterior focal trough is used for adjustment of data.
Volchansky
Alf
A
Medical Research Council, University of the Witwatersrand Dental Research institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Cleaton-Jones
Peter
P
Drummond
Sîan
S
Bönecker
Marcelo
M
D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic / Q000379:methods*; D012886:Skull / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014070:Tooth / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019237:Tooth Cervix / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging