Reliability of Panoramic Radiographs in the Localization of Mandibular Foramen
ZC035-ZC038
Correspondence
Dr. Preeti Tomar Bhattacharya,
Lecturer, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Haldia Institute of Dental sciences and Research,
Balughata, Haldia, West Bengal- 721645, India.
E-mail : preeti_kgmu@rediffmail.com
Objective: The present study evaluated the reliability and accuracy of panoramic radiographs in the localization of mandibular foramen.
Materials and Methods: Twenty five Indian dry human adult mandibles constituted the study material. Ten measurements were carried on each of them to evaluate the location of mandibular foramen with respect to adjacent anatomic landmarks. Panoramic radiographs were then made of the mandibles. Same distances were measured on the traced images of the radiographs. Paired t-test and Pearson’s correlation test were applied to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of panoramic radiographs in localization of mandibular foramen.
Results: The mean distances measured on dry mandibles and panoramic radiographs showed statistically significant difference (p<0.05). There was strong positive correlation between the measurements on dry mandible and panoramic radiographs.
Conclusion: The panoramic radiographs can serve as a guide in locating the anterosuperior point of mandibular foramen on panoramic radiographs.