OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare panoramic and intraoral radiographs for diagnosis of caries and periapical pathology in different regions of the jaws. METHODS: In the aspect of the study, full mouth series and panoramic radiographs of 80 patients were used. These radiographs were evaluated for caries and periapical pathology by three observers in various options; (i) panoramic radiograph alone, (ii) full mouth series (full mouth periapical and posterior bite-wing radiographs), (iii) panoramic plus bite-wing, (iv) panoramic plus full mouth series. The most efficient option in the maxillary and mandibular incisor, canine, premolar and molar regions were determined with Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: Full mouth series was the most efficient option for the diagnosis of caries in maxillary and mandibular incisor and canine regions, however full mouth series had similar diagnostic efficiency with the combination of panoramic and bite-wing radiographs in the maxillary and mandibular premolar and molar regions. There was no significant difference between full mouth series and panoramic radiographs in the detection of periapical pathology, except for maxillary anterior region. Full mouth series was more effective in the detection of periapical pathology in maxillary anterior region. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that panoramic radiograph alone is not sufficient for the diagnosis of caries and periapical pathology for entire regions of jaws. Although full mouth series is the most efficient method for the diagnosis of caries and periapical pathology, panoramic radiograph combined with posterior bite-wing radiographs could also be preferred. This combination should be supported with periapical radiographs of incisor and canine teeth, if there is a suspicion of dental disease.

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