A clinical opinion survey of new fine detail panoramic radiographs.

An opinion survey was conducted to judge the diagnostic potential of panoramic surveys with image detail similar to periapical radiographs exposed by free-focus radiography. Fifty dentists evaluated four free-focus radiographic surveys of the maxillofacial complex made on nonscreen film, which were selected to illustrate most categories of common dental disease. Conventional rotational panoramic radiographs were available for comparison. Fifty-four percent to 70% selected positive responses to questions on film size, image detail, anatomic area of coverage, and potential value in dental practice. Relatively high percentages of reviewers preferred smaller anatomic coverage and film size. About one third thought that the level of image detail ought to be even better. The overall interest in a nonpanoramic free-focus radiography exposure mode was guarded. Seventy-six percent of all respondents believed that the free-focus radiography films were "experimental."