Evaluation of Dental Radiographic Imaging among Insured Population Reporting for Dental Treatment –A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate various dental radiographic examination techniques carried out among insured population. Material and method: This was a retrospective study performed among patients reported to Department of Dentistry, ESIC Medical College, Hyderabad during a two year period from January 2017 to December 2018. Records of 11,535 patients who required radiographic investigations like intraoral periapical radiograph (IOPAR), Orthopantamogram (OPG), Computerized Tomogram (CT) and Cone beam computerized tomogram (CBCT) for diagnosis and treatment planning were analyzed. Results: Among the 11,535 patients, a total of 9,193 IOPAR, 1936 OPG, 348 CT, and 58 CBCT were taken. Among IOPAR, 6164 (67.05%) were advised to diagnose dental caries, 1514 (16.47%) for periodontal disease, and 636 (6.92%) for dental trauma. Regarding OPG, 485(25.05%) were advised to diagnose maxillofacial trauma, 338(17.46%) for periodontal disease, and 224 (11.57%).With regards to CT, 308(88.51%) were advised to diagnose maxillofacial trauma and 40(11.5%) were advised for Cysts and Tumours. In 58 instances where CBCT was advised 47(81.04%) were advised to diagnose Cysts and Tumours and 11(18.96%) were advised for maxillofacial trauma. Conclusion: About 17.07% (11,535 out of 67,551) of the Out-patients required radiological investigations. Among them IOPAR was most commonly advised while the least was CBCT. IOPAR was gold standard for Dental caries and its sequel, and for periodontitis. OPG was ideal for multiple teeth lesions; however had the drawback of ghost images. CT gives a good 3D view but has high radiation exposure and is expensive. CBCT is advanced and gave realistic anatomical picture with comparatively less radiation. However, its availability and standing posture are the drawbacks.