The reliability of dental panoramic tomographs in determining the upper and lower third molar root morphology

Background/Aim. The shortcomings of the orthopantomography (OPG) method and radiographic misinterpretations may lead to poor treatment planning complications during or after third molar extraction. aim this study was determine validity reliability OPG findings concerning post-extraction wisdom tooth root morphology, as well whether degree clinical expertise affects assessment accuracy. Methods. cross-sectional included 200 patients who were referred for Preoperative OPGs evaluated by examiners classified their level experience into three groups: students, residents, professors. True morphologies recorded extraction, accuracy using various statistical tests. Results. majority assessments accurate lower upper molars with a single root. professor group most when compared other two groups (p = 0.0015). Weighted Kappa values intra-respondent gradually increased from student (0.06, 0.28, 0.34, respectively). highest discrepancy in inter-respondent determined between (poor; ?w 0.25584). Conclusion. In are not achieved results which confirm panoramic acquisition detection morphology. diagnostic accuracy, but complex cases should be different methods.