Comparative Analysis of Dental Volumetric Tomography and Panoramic Radiography for Impacted Mandibular Teeth Assessment

Abstract

Impacted mandibular teeth, particularly third molars and canines, represent a common clinical condition in oral and maxillofacial practice. Accurate radiographic assessment is essential for determining tooth position, evaluating anatomical relationships, predicting surgical difficulty, and minimizing complications associated with extraction or orthodontic intervention. Traditional panoramic radiography (PR) has long served as the primary imaging modality because of its accessibility, low radiation dose, and cost-effectiveness. However, advances in dental volumetric tomography (DVT), commonly referred to as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), have introduced three-dimensional visualization capabilities that may significantly enhance diagnostic precision. This review-based research article comparatively analyzes the diagnostic performance, clinical utility, and limitations of DVT and panoramic radiography in assessing impacted mandibular teeth and their surrounding structures. A structured synthesis of published studies was performed using the references provided. The literature indicates that while panoramic radiography remains valuable as an initial screening tool, DVT demonstrates superior accuracy in identifying the spatial relationship between impacted teeth and adjacent anatomical structures, particularly the inferior alveolar canal. The analysis further highlights differences in diagnostic reliability, treatment planning effectiveness, surgical risk prediction, and identification of pathological conditions. The findings suggest that a selective imaging strategy integrating both modalities can optimize patient outcomes while maintaining radiation safety principles. The study contributes a comprehensive evaluation of contemporary imaging approaches and provides recommendations for evidence-based clinical decision-making in impacted mandibular tooth assessment.