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Clinical evaluation of the effects of radiographic distortion on the position and classification of mandibular third molars

Department of Stomatology, Bauru Dental School, University of São Paulo, Alameda Dr. Octávio Pinheiro Brisolla 9-75; Vila Universitária, Bauru-Sp; Brazil, CEP: 17.090-100

*Correspondence to: Dr LFM Sant'Ana, Department of Stomatology, Bauru Dental School, University of São Paulo, Alameda Dr. Octávio Pinheiro Brisolla 9-75; Vila Universitária, Bauru-Sp; Brazil, CEP 17.090-100; E-mail: lfmsantana{at}uol.com.br

Received 3 November 2003; revised 27 September 2004; accepted 19 October 2004

Objective: Panoramic radiographs are routinely employed for surgical planning of unerupted third molars. The objective of this study was to evaluate distortions in the position of mandibular third molars on panoramic radiographs.

Material and methods: Panoramic radiographs of 14 patients with indication for extraction of the mandibular third molars were used. Transurgical impressions of the crowns of the teeth to be extracted and adjacent second molars (n=19) were achieved with addition silicone and poured with type IV plaster for comparison of the inclinations of the third molars on the radiographs and study casts.

Results: There was a mean difference of –5.37° between the position of the third molar on the panoramic radiograph and on the study cast (standard deviation 1.46, P<0.05, Student's t-test).

Conclusion: There is distortion in the position of teeth on the panoramic radiograph, which may influence the surgical planning; however, this does not invalidate it as the main tool for diagnosis and surgical planning of mandibular third molars.

Keywords: radiography; panoramic; image distortion; impacted tooth; third molars