Estimation of Maxillary Premolar Tooth Lengths Based on Panoramic Radiographs

Background and Assessment of tooth length has an important role in success and failure of dental treatments. As yet periapical radiography has been used for the assessment of tooth length causing high x-ray exposure, long time and patient discomfort. Using panoramic radiography can resolve these problems. The major disadvantage of panoramic radiography is monotonous magnification. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between real and panoramic tooth lengths. In an analytical study, 89 teeth consisting 59 maxillary first premolars and 30 maxillary second premolars from patients referring to orthodontic clinics of babol were selected. According to universal numbering system the teeth were divided into four groups: T14, T24, T15, T25. Measurements of real and panoramic tooth length were accomplished by a digital caliper. Length linear regression model analysis was used for the prediction of tooth. Real and panoramic tooth lengths and their magnification showed significant differences between two sexes (P< 0.05). For each gender regression models were produced: (male first premolar tooth length= 0.818X+3.017) (female first premolar tooth length= 0.852X+1.875) (male second premolar tooth length= 1.030X-2.028) (female second premolar tooth length= 1.020X-2.246). Using panoramic radiography for estimation of maxillary premolar real tooth length in studied machine is practical and reliable.