Comparative assessment and correlation of dental pathologies between clinical and radiographic examination–an observational study

Statement of the Problem: Panoramic radiography is a widely used two dimensional extra oral radiographic technique for detection of dental diseases, jaw pathologies and other systemic diseases. Purpose: This study investigates the use of this technique as a routine screening procedure to detect hidden pathologies that may go undiagnosed clinically. Materials and Method: One hundred patients who visited dental OPD were selected for the study. SPSS Version 19.0 was used for statistical Analysis. Data was analyzed using Chi-Square Test and correlation between clinical and radiological findings was assessed by and co relational regression analysis. Results: Statistically significant amount of additional pathologies were detected on panoramic radiograph Conclusion: Panoramic radiograph can be used as a screening tool to detect additional or hidden pathologies supplementary to visual clinical examination.