Panoramic Radiography — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: B — Dental panoramic radiograph (DPT/OPT)
A dental panoramic radiograph is correct because it provides a broad extraoral image of both sides of the jaws, normally including the mandibular bodies, ascending rami and condyles. This permits right-to-left comparison on one image, although distortion means it is not necessarily the definitive investigation for detailed temporomandibular joint pathology. Periapical and bitewing radiographs cover limited dentoalveolar regions and do not include the condyles. A true occlusal radiograph primarily demonstrates the dental arch and adjacent anterior or posterior mandibular structures rather than both rami and condyles. A lateral cephalometric radiograph includes the mandibular ramus and condylar region, but the right and left sides are substantially superimposed and therefore cannot be compared as clearly as on a panoramic image.
Reference: Alanazi Y et al. Morphometric Analysis of the Mandibular Condyle and Ramus on Panoramic Radiographs: A Cross-Sectional Study in Hail, Saudi Arabia. 2026. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41717179/