ARE ANTERIOR OCCLUSAL RADIOGRAPHS STILL INDICATED FOR ORTHODONTIC ASSESSMENT

Objective This study examined the question of taking anterior occlusal radiographs (AO) in addition to a dental panoramic tomogram (DPT) usi ng the Planmeca PM Profine CC. Design Retrospective single centre stud y. Setting Dental hospital radiology department. Subjects 100 pairs of DPTs and AOs which had been requested for orthodontic assessment were examined between April and July 1995. All DPTs were taken on a Planme ca PM Proline CC machine. Results The AO was assumed to be the gold st andard and the diagnostic validity of the DPT can be assessed using va lues of sensitivity and specificity. 21% of DPTs were identified as re quiring a supplementary radiograph to clarify the image of the anterio r maxilla. Conclusions A DPT machine with an adjustable focal trough h as significantly reduced the need for supplementary AO radiographs. Th e AO is indicated when there is abnormality in the premaxilla or where dental malocclusion prevents ideal positioning of the patient in the machine.