Dental Panoramic Radiology 2 (DPT)

Question 1

What areas Can DPT capture that intra-orals cannot reach?

Answer 1

• Partially erupted & unerupted teeth
• Maxillary sinuses
• Extensive cysts, tumours, etc.
• Mandibular condyles
• Shows vertical height of mandible & level of inferior alveolar canals
• Shows both sides on one radiograph
  
  • Allows for comparison
• Dose is reduced compared to full mouth periapical radiographs
  
  • Actual time taken is also less

Question 2

When to take a DPT?

Answer 2

GDC states: panoramic radiographs should only be taken in the presence of specific clinical signs and symptoms” i.e. not for screening

• Grossly neglected dentition
  
  • i.e. generalised caries
• Part of periodontal bone assessment
  
  • Often supplemented with periapicals
• Assessment of third molars if planning surgical intervention
• Part of orthodontic assessment where there is a clinical need to know the state of the dentition & the presence/absence of teeth
• Assessment for fractures of the mandible
  
  • Except anteriorly
• Assessment of maxillary sinus pathology
• Assessment of destructive disease of the TMJ articular surfaces