Localization of lower right molars in a panoramic radiograph, lateral cephalogram and dental CT

In this investigation, the radiological status of angular measurements in the wisdom tooth area was examined. The angles of the tooth center lines of the second and third lower molars (48, 47) to the occlusal plane and to one another in 25 orthodontically untreated patients (average age: 16.3 years) were measured and compared with angular values of the patients concerned measured in a dental CT. The assessment of these 3 radiological documents in an absolute comparison revealed closely corresponding angular values. However, the dental CT provided a considerably more accurate and, in addition, a three-dimensional topographical localization of lower wisdom teeth.