The Importance of Panoramic Radiography as an Auxiliary Instrument in Clinical and Legal Dental Practices

The aim: This study was conducted in order to found the inclusion of panoramic radiography as a vital document in the patient's medical history, giving it more reliability. Methods: For this purpose, 2,732 unidentified panoramic radiographs were evaluated, from patients aged from 15 to 55, males and females, from the files of the Radiology Department from the Dental School of So Jos dos Campos -So Paulo State University, and from a private radiology clinic in the city of So Jos dos Campos -SP. During analysis of the radiographs, non-clinically observable radiographic findings were sought. The data found were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis and to the Student T-test. Results: Of all the panoramic radiographs evaluated, 20.31% presented radiographic findings capable of interfering with the diagnosis and prognosis most appropriate for the health of the individual. No statistically significant differences were found between the genders or between gender and age bracket. Conclusion: The results obtained and the multiple odontological purposes of panoramic radiography demonstrate its importance as a document to supplement the odontological history of the individual, giving it more legitimacy and clinical value.