Radiological findings in panoramic radiographs of Iranian edentulous patients

Prevalence of Total Edentulism and Panoramic Radiographic Findings of Totally Edentulous Patients in a Dental School in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background The prevalence of total edentulism differs significantly between countries and between cities/regions within the same country. It can be affected by various factors, such as age, sex, and socioeconomic factors along with lifestyle and health behavior. Positive findings on panoramic radiographs are frequently observed in totally edentulous patients (TEP) during routine screening. Objectives This study aimed to retrospectively determine the prevalence of total edentulism and to evaluate the distribution and location of positive findings on panoramic radiographs of TEP at a dental school in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods A total of 12,428 digital panoramic radiographs of patients aged ≥35 years seeking treatment at a dental school from January 2018 to December 2021 were evaluated to determine the prevalence of total edentulism. Retained root stumps, impacted teeth, radiolucent, and radiopaque lesions were detected on the panoramic radiographs of the TEP. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results Among the 12,428 patients, 521 (4.2%) showed total edentulism on their panoramic radiographs. The prevalence of edentulism was the highest among patients aged >65 years (n=305, 4.5%), men (n=246, 4.2%), and non-Saudi citizens (n=300, 4.4%). A total of 198 radiographic findings were identified in 150 patients. The frequency rates of retained root stumps and impacted teeth were 19.2% (n=100) and 4.6% (n=24), respectively. Radiolucent and radiopaque lesions each accounted for 2.5% (n=13) of the lesions. Conclusions The prevalence of edentulism was higher in patients aged >65 years, male patients, and non-Saudi citizens. Retained root stumps were most often encountered among the four positive findings on panoramic radiographs. Considering the high frequency of positive radiographic findings in TEP, panoramic radiographs must be routinely obtained for TEP, but caution must be exercised to reduce the effects of radiation.

Maxillomandibular giant osteosclerotic lesions

Giant Osteosclerotic Lesions (GOLs) are a group of rarely reported intraosseous lesions. Their precise diagnosis is important since they can be confused with malignant neoplasms.

Evaluation of dental panoramic radiographic findings in edentulous jaws: A retrospective study of 743 patients "Radiographic features in edentulous jaws"

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of significant panoramic radiographic findings and eventual treatment requirements before conventional or implant supported prosthetic treatment in asymptomatic edentulous patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 743 asymptomatic edentulous patients were retrospectively evaluated using a digital panoramic system. We analyzed the radiographic findings, including impacted teeth, retained root fragments, foreign bodies, severe atrophy of the posterior maxillary alveolar bone, mucous retention cysts, soft tissue calcifications and radiopaque-radiolucent conditions.

RESULTS

Four-hundred-eighty-seven (65.6%) patients had no radiographic finding. A total of 331 radiographic findings were detected in 256 (34%) patients. In 52.9% (n=175) of these conditions, surgical treatment was required before application of implant-supported fixed prosthesis. However, before application of conventional removable prosthesis surgical treatment was required for 6% (n=20) of these conditions.

CONCLUSION

The edentulous patients who will have implant placement for implant-supported fixed prosthesis can frequently require additional surgical procedures to eliminate pathological conditions.

Intraosseous benign lesions of the jaws: a radiographic study

BACKGROUND

Benign maxillo-mandibular tumors and cysts, which are relatively common findings on radiographs, namely the ubiquitous panoramic view, have to be dealt with by dentists on a daily basis.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to evaluate the panoramic radiographic findings pertaining to benign and tumoral lesions in the maxilla and mandible.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Applying a case series method, panoramic images of 61 patients with cysts, benign tumors and tumor-like lesions in the jaws who were referred to Hamedan dental school between 2009 and 2011 were evaluated by two radiologists. They were both blind to histopathological results as well as the objectives of our study. Lesions were assessed based on their location, periphery, internal structure and impaction on the surrounding structures. Then the obtained data were analyzed using descriptive tables.

RESULTS

Cysts were mostly more common in men despite the equal propensity of both genders to benign tumors. In contrast, women showed a higher frequency of tumor-like lesions. The most common site of involvement was the posterior mandible, with peri-apical tooth lesions as the most prevalent dental association. Radiographically, what we most encountered was unilocular radiolucency pertaining to cysts and benign tumors; nevertheless, tumor-like lesions tended to present with a well-defined radiopacity.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite its known shortcomings, like every other diagnostic tool, panoramic radiography can contribute to the early detection of maxillary/mandibular lesions that in turn enable the dentist to devise an appropriate treatment plan.