Which imaging technique can be used to visualize impacted teeth?

The selection of panoramic radiography as the imaging technique used to visualize impacted teeth is based on its unique advantages in dental diagnostics. Panoramic radiographs provide a broad view of the entire jaw and all the teeth in a single image, which is particularly beneficial for assessing the position of teeth, including those that are impacted.

Impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth, can often be obscured or difficult to evaluate with other imaging methods. Panoramic radiography allows dental professionals to see the relationship between impacted teeth and adjacent structures, which is essential for treatment planning and understanding potential complications.

Additionally, panoramic radiography exposes patients to relatively low doses of radiation compared to other imaging techniques. While intraoral radiography can show some information about individual teeth, it does not provide a comprehensive view of the entire dental arch. Computed tomography offers detailed three-dimensional images but involves higher radiation exposure and more complexity in interpretation. Magnetic resonance imaging, while effective for soft tissue evaluation, is not routinely used for assessing dental conditions as it is less effective at visualizing bone structures and teeth.

Overall, the ability of panoramic radiography to effectively display the entire dental arch in a single image makes it the most suitable choice for visualizing impacted teeth.