What should a panoramic radiograph not be used for?

A panoramic radiograph is a valuable tool in dental imaging, but it is not designed to provide detailed information necessary for charting caries. Panoramic images provide a broad view of the oral structures, allowing for an overview of the dental arch, jaw, and surrounding tissues. However, they lack the resolution and detail required to accurately identify and diagnose specific carious lesions on individual teeth.

This lack of specificity makes it difficult to differentiate between healthy tooth structure and areas of decay. In contrast, other imaging modalities, such as bitewing radiographs, are better suited for caries detection due to their ability to provide a more focused view of individual teeth and interproximal areas where caries typically develop.

In contrast, panoramic radiographs are useful for assessing bone density, diagnosing periodontal disease, and evaluating jaw relationships, as they can provide a comprehensive view of the overall dental and skeletal structure, which is essential for those evaluations.