Pathologic findings in orthodontic radiographic images.

Orthodontists routinely use radiography to diagnose malocclusions, plan treatment, and assess progress or the achievement of treatment goals. These films often contain evidence of oral or dentofacial pathology that require dental or medical consultation and treatment. This study is a cross-sectional survey of 396 orthodontic patients under treatment at a single time whose x-ray films were examined for pathologic findings by oral radiologists or treating clinicians. The results showed that more than 6% of these patients had significant findings, some with medical ramifications.