Analysis of Panoramic Radiograms obtained by Mass Dental Examination

Mass dental examination by means of panoramic radiography has been done. The values of panoramic radiography are well known, but its application for mass dental examination is not popular in Japan. The purpose of this paper is to state the value of panoramic radiography as a system of mass dental examination. Panoramic radiography was performed on 777 senior students at Kyushu Dental College from 1971 to 1976. Lesions observed in panoramic radiograms were classified into 8 types, and individual result was as follows : 1. Six hundred and eighty embedded teeth in 438 students (56.4%) were found and it was the most common lesion of all. 2. Four hundred and ninety-eight radiolucent lesions immediately located to the root apex were identified in 309 students (39.8%). 3. Four hundred and sixty radiopaque lesions immediately located to the root apex were observed in 250 students (32.3%). 4. One hundred and fifty-eight radiopaque lesions located apart from the root apex were seen in 139 students (17.9%). 5. Ninety-five cystic densities in the maxillary sinus were identified in 81 students (10.4%). 6. One hundred and seven retained root tips were identified in 37 students (4.8%). 7. Two radiolucent lesions located apart from the root apex were observed in 2 students (0.2%). 8. Of the 19 lesions classified as miscellaneous, 12 were retained primary teeth, 5 were follicular enlargements and 2 were odontomas. With panoramic radiography as a mass dental examination, a great number of abnormalities were accidently detected in the senior dental students. Panoramic radiography is preferable for quantitative diagnosis, but it seems not so good for qualitative diagnosis.