Question

Patient: Female, 27 year old

Chief complaint: Patient: ""I have pain on my wisdom teeth
Background/or patient history: Patient reports pain on third molars, which is more significant on the mandibular right third molar and maxillary left third molars. There is no history of extraction of third molars.
Current Findings: on clinical evaluation, teeth # 1 and #16 have erupted. Tooth #17 is impacted. Part of the crown of tooth #32 is erupted in the mouth. The tissue overlying the crown appears to be inflamed.

Based on the patient's history and clinical findings, what is the best imaging for evaluation of the patient's chief complaint?
a. Panoramic
b. Cone beam CT
c. Bitewings
d. Periapical radiograph of the molars"

Answer 1

A panoramic X-ray is the best imaging for evaluating the patient's chief complaint of pain on the wisdom teeth.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best imaging for evaluation of the patient's chief complaint of pain on the wisdom teeth would be a panoramic X-ray.

A panoramic X-ray provides a full view of the upper and lower jaws, including all the teeth, the surrounding bone, and the temporomandibular joints. It is especially useful for assessing impacted teeth, wisdom teeth, and any abnormalities or inflammation in the jaw area.

Other imaging options mentioned, such as cone beam CT, bitewings, and periapical radiographs, may provide more detailed information about specific teeth or structures, but a panoramic X-ray would be the most appropriate initial imaging for evaluating the patient's chief complaint.