Comparison among occlusal planes for lower third molar space measurement on panoramic radiograph

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of occlusal plane (OP) on the lower third molar space measurement on panoramic radiographs. Methods Subjects in the study consisted of 65 adult (28 males, 37 females) and were divided into two groups:third molar fully erupted group and third molar impacted group. 44 erupted mandible quadrants and 69impacted mandible quadrants on panoramic radiographs were used to compare the difference OP as the reference planes on the third molar space measurement on panoramic radiographs by block designs.Results Significant difference was noted among different occlusal planes (p＜0. 05) on the third molar space measurement both in fully erupted group and in impacted group. Conclusions Lower third molar space measurement was sensitive to various inclination of OP on panoramic radiographs. Key words: Occlusal plane; Panoramic radiograph; Third molar space