Different Radiological Findings in Turkish Edentulous Patients

Objective: Radiological examination for the detection of asymptomatic pathology in edentulous patients is very important. The aim of this study is to evaluate different significant radiological findings in the panoramic radiographies, which were routinely taken for a group of edentulous patients. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 200 edentulous patients who admitted for various reasons to Inonu University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. Each radiograph was observed for retained roots, impacted teeth, radiolucency and radiopacity changes, maxillary sinus close to crest of the ridge and mental foramen on crest. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Radiological findings were found in 48% (56.03% female, 39,28% male) of edentulous patients. Patients examined in this study had retained roots as the most common positive findings (15%). Most of the findings were observed in patients between 45-60 years of age in this study. Conclusion: According to these results, panoramic radiography is still advisable to study before making the prosthesis to edentulous patients.