Value of panoramic radiographs in paediatric pre-bone marrow transplantation oral evaluation

Panoramic radiographs (orthopantomogram [OPT]) are, beside clinical examination, helpful in detecting possible dental foci of infections before bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The value of an OPT in paediatric BMT-recipients was assessed by the results of dental evaluation, consisting of an OPT and a consultation by an oral surgeon, in 161 children between 1987 and 1999. Eleven out of 161 children had at least one oral focus of infection that required treatment before myeloablative therapy. In seven children the foci were detectable both clinically and radiographically and in two children the foci were visible only clinically. Only two children had a focus that was only detectable by means of radiographs. In both patients it concerned erupting third molars. In conclusion, we recommend an OPT only when the child has clinically obvious abnormalities. In addition, in older children an OPT will be indicated to evaluate the third molars.