Jaw and tooth abnormalities detected on panoramic radiographs in New Zealand children aged 10-15 years.

Panoramic radiographs of 1,608 children and adolescents aged 10 to 15 years (797 males and 811 females) were reviewed to determine the prevalence of tooth and jaw abnormalities. Abnormalities were detected on 21 percent of the radiographs (23 percent females and 17.3 percent males); 879 teeth were diagnosed with abnormalities on 331 radiographs. The more common abnormalities were malpositioned teeth, missing teeth, misshaped teeth, and teeth with hypoplastic appearance. Bony abnormalities and growth problems were detected in a few radiographs. This study demonstrates the value of panoramic radiography in detecting or confirming dental abnormalities, and supports recommendations on the use of panoramic radiography to aid in the assessment of dental development.