PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN PANORAMIC RADIOGRAPHS OF PATIENTS AT A CLINIC SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY IN MINAS GERAIS

Abstract

Panoramic radiography stands out as the most commonly prescribed screening test in the field of dentistry, even with limitations, it is possible to find important pathological and incidental findings through it, thus contributing to an effective diagnosis and treatment plan. This study aims to catalog the main radiographic findings found in panoramic radiographs of patients at a teaching clinic in Minas Gerais. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 375 radiographs were selected, 150 of which showed some alteration. The alterations were more prevalent in females in a ratio of 2:1. Root dilaceration, rotation and agenesis were the most common dental anomalies found on panoramic radiographs. Among the pathological findings, periapical radiolucency stood out and, regarding incidental findings, carotid atheroma was present in two radiographs. Only rotaversions showed a higher prevalence for males, unlike root dilacerations and agenesis, the other alterations did not show a predilection. These findings, however, are diagnostic hypotheses since, in order to confirm the diagnosis, an association with the clinical interview and the clinical examination is necessary. Therefore, it was possible to conclude that panoramic radiography is an excellent complementary exam in the detection of important alterations during the diagnosis. Thus, further screening studies like this one are suggested to further expand the database on important pathological changes in the maxillomandibular complex and incidental findings.