Clinical trial of pantomography for the evaluation of mandibular trauma

A trial study was conducted comparing the standard "four view" mandibular series and pantomography for th evaluation of mandibular trauma. During the six-month trial period a series of 17 patients with a total of 24 mandibular fractures was compiled. The pantomographs were more easily interpreted than the standard views because overlapping structures were blurred and spatial orientation was clear. In eight of the 17 patients the fractures were more clearly visualized by pantomography. Because the entire mandibule was seen so well on the pantomographs, no special views were required. Eleven patients had single fractures, which are in fact quite common.