Intraoral or panoramic radiography?

When panoramic radiographs are used to replace full-mouth radiographic series for the pediatric patient, certain advantages and disadvantages of this technique should be understood. The panoramic exposure offers ease of operation, shorter working time, and greater coverage than does the intraoral full-mouth series. However, certain shortcomings are noted. Rotations of maxillary premolars appear where there are none, and confusion exists in the anterior region about rotated teeth. Supernumerary teeth are frequently missed on the panoramic film in the anterior region. Because of this it is wise to supplement the panoramic image with anterior periapical films. Posterior bitewing films are a necessary supplement to the panoramic examination and with them interproximal caries, periapical lesions, and other details not visualized on the panoramic film are noted. It is imperative that the dentist understand confusing panoramic images that result from motion, superimposed structures, and apparent rotations, so that missed diagnoses do not occur.