Evaluation of the Distortion Rate of Panoramic and Periapical Radiographs in Erupted Third Molar Inclination

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Panoramic and periapical radiographs are normally used in impacted third molar teeth surgeries. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the distortion of the erupted third molar teeth on panoramic and periapical radiographs. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 44 radiographs were obtained of 22 patients (age range, 18-24 years) referred to the faculty of dentistry for orthodontic treatment. A plaster cast was prepared and panoramic radiography was taken for all patients to plan the orthodontic treatment and periapical radiography was taken for investigation of tooth structure details. Therefore, a total of 66 views and samples were studied by two methods: 1) Measuring the angle between the longitudinal plane of the third molar and occlusal plane. 2) Measuring the angle between the longitudinal plane of second and third molar. Finally, 132 records were evaluated by one individual. RESULTS There was no significant statistical difference between the mean position of the third molar on panoramic, periapical radiographs and the casts. However, measurements of the third molars on periapical radiographs were slightly closer to the measurements of the casts compared to the panoramic radiographs. CONCLUSION Distortion does not have a specific effect on the diagnosis of the position of the third erupted molars by periapical or panoramic radiographs, though various studies have shown that these radiographs have an amount of distortion and periapical radiographical distortion is less than that in panoramic radiography.