Also the ability to reconstruct various layers raises the importance of the geometrical distortions already high in dental panoramic radiography.

Persons who are to undergo panoramic radiography usually are required to remove any earrings, jewellery, hair pins, glasses, dentures or orthodontic appliances.

Research has shown that panoramic radiography is similar to computed tomography in its diagnostic accuracy for mandible fractures and both are more accurate than plain film radiograph.

Dental panoramic radiography equipment consists of a horizontal rotating arm which holds an X-ray source and a moving film mechanism (carrying a film) arranged at opposed extremities.

Writing in The Journal of the American Dental Association, researchers from the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System said the changes were easily noticeable in images captured through panoramic radiography.

The indications to use CT for mandible fracture vary by region, but it does not seem to add to diagnosis or treatment planning except for comminuted or avulsive type fractures, although, there is better clinician agreement on the location and absence of fractures with CT compared to panoramic radiography.