Panoramic radiography in the examination of edentulous patients.

A radiologic survey covering 4 years and using orthopantomography was made of 287 edentulous patients prior to denture construction. Orthopantomographs revealed 155 significant lesions in 41 per cent of the patients examined. Therefore, the use of panoramic radiography before any prosthetic procedure is undertaken seems justified. Surgery would be indicated where cysts (residual and follicular), visible root fragments, and sequestra are detected. In most situations, such as deeply imbedded impactions, localized sclerotic bone, or foreign bodies, surgery would not be justified for elderly patients because of the possible unfavorable aftereffects. When this decision is made, the patient should be informed of the possibility of future surgical and prosthetic procedures.