Comparison of Sagittal Condylar Guidance Determined by Panoramic Radiographs to the One Determined by Conventional Methods Using Lateral Interocclusal Records in the Saudi Arabian Population

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine the condylar guidance by the conventional method using interocclusal records and by panoramic radiographs in healthy dentate patients and to compare the values obtained from panoramic radiographs with the values obtained by a conventional method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty healthy dentulous subjects of either sex with an age range of 20–40 years visiting Jazan University, College of Dentistry, Dental Clinics for replacement of missing teeth or crowns, were selected according to the inclusion criteria. Maxillary and mandibular casts were obtained and mounted on Whipmix 2240 articulator. Right and left lateral interocclusal records were then made in patients by base plate wax (Dentsply truwax baseplate). This record was transferred to articulator, and condylar values were determined. In all the cases, articulator was programmed. Left and right condylar values were also measured on digital radiographs and readings were recorded. Condylar guidance readings obtained from interocclusal records and those obtained from panoramic radiographic images were compared and analyzed statistically using the t-test. RESULTS: The condylar guidance values obtained from the interocclusal record method for both left and right sides were less when compared to the values obtained from tracing the panoramic radiographs (radiographic method). The difference in values of both the methods was highly significant. CONCLUSION: Although a significant amount of correlation was found between the two methods, better radiographic techniques should be further investigated.