Panoramic radiographic examination of edentulous jaws

Many dentists routinely make panoramic radiographs of edentulous patients who request replacement dentures. A study was conducted in patients who attended a Jordanian dental school seeking a new set of dentures. Patients who had at least one set of complete dentures and were treated elsewhere, were included in this study. Any patient whose clinical findings suggested a need for further radiographic study was excluded. Of 286 patients (572 edentulous arches), only three were found to have impacted molars that required extraction and altered the treatment plan. The use of radiography in dentistry generates a large expense and there are risks of radiation hazards. The routine use of radiographs for patients who wear complete dentures and need replacement dentures should be discouraged. A thorough history must be obtained and a careful clinical examination must be performed for the diagnosis and treatment planning.