Importance of radiographs in edentulous patients

Panoramic radiographs are often used to screen edentulous patients before complete denture fabrication. However routine use of OPG (Orthopantomogram) of edentulous patients is being questioned because of the cumulative effects and cost of radiation exposure. However, the recent studies have shown that the pre-treatment radiographic examination of edentulous patients is critical in the treatment planning, as it has revealed significant findings, which are not visible clinically.