The role of orthopantomographic studies for screening of jaw bone neoplasms at the primary level of health care

Abstract

Today, an orthopantomogram (OPTG) is a relevant and affordable method for diagnosing the state of anatomical structures of the maxilla-facial region and is frequently used in dentistry. With the help of this method we can detect neoplasms at different stages of development in asymptomatic patients, as well as signs of chronic inflammatory processes, traumatic injuries and other pathologies. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of soft tissue and hard tissue neoplasms of the jaws on digital OPTG obtained in the period from 2021 to 2022 at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Samara State Medical University. We analyzed 318 orthopantomographic images, among which 6 images with hard tissue neoplasms (1.89%) and 37 with soft tissue pathological processes (11.64%) were identified. The neoplasms on the upper jaw were twice as frequent (65.47%) than on the lower jaw (34.53%). The study proved the effectiveness of orthopantomography in assessing the structures of the maxillofacial region. Two-dimensional images are an effective way to identify these pathologies at the initial reception of dental patients. To optimize diagnosis and treatment planning it is expedient to use such images and employ elements of artificial intelligence for automation of the analysis, which will enable screening studies of the population of the Russian Federation and meet the modern requirements for oncologic alertness in dental practice.