ABSTRACT
Background: Jaw pathologies represent a significant health concern, and their accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment planning. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and panoramic radiography are two common imaging modalities used for the assessment of jaw pathologies. This study aims to compare the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of CBCT and panoramic radiography in detecting jaw pathologies.
Aim: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the diagnostic efficacy of Cone Beam Computed Tomography and panoramic radiography for identifying various jaw pathologies in a patient population of 120 individuals. The study will be conducted at the Dental Hospital, University College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Lahore, over a duration from January 2023 to January 2024.
Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study will be conducted at the mentioned dental hospital. A total of 120 patients presenting with suspected or known jaw pathologies will undergo both CBCT and panoramic radiography. The images will be independently reviewed by two experienced radiologists, and the diagnostic accuracy of each modality will be assessed. Data analysis will include sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic performance.
Results: The study results will provide valuable insights into the comparative diagnostic accuracy of CBCT and panoramic radiography in detecting various jaw pathologies. The findings will be presented in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values for each modality. The results will help in understanding the strengths and limitations of each imaging technique in diagnosing jaw pathologies.
Conclusion: This study’s findings will contribute to informed decision-making in clinical practice regarding the choice of imaging modality for the detection of jaw pathologies. The choice between CBCT and panoramic radiography should be based on the specific diagnostic needs, patient factors, and radiation exposure considerations. The study results will be of significant importance to the dental and medical communities in optimizing the diagnostic process for jaw pathologies.
Keywords: Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Panoramic Radiography, Jaw Pathologies, Diagnostic Accuracy, Dental Hospital, University College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Lahore, Sensitivity, Specificity, Radiation Exposure.