Panoramic radiographic examination of edentulous patients.

A study of panoramic radiographs made on 114 edentulous patients was described. Six radiographic entities were identified: root fragments, retained teeth, radiolucencies, radiopacities, foreign bodies, and mental foramina at or near the crest of the residual ridge. The percent of positive findings in this study and those of previous studies support the fact that one of three edentulous patients has a potentially complicating condition within the denture base foundation. These investigations stress the necessity of radiographic examination of all edentulous patients prior to treatment with complete dentures. The high incidence of positive findings suggests not only the need for radiographic examinations of all patients, but also the frequency with which the dentist is faced with the necessity of modifying the treatment plan.