Aim: The aim of the study is to clarify the possible applications of orthopantomogram (OPG) for evaluating craniofacial specifications such as angular and linear measurements of the mandible by comparing with lateral cephalogram.

Materials and Methods: OPG and lateral cephalogram were taken from 100 patients of age-group 16-35 years from Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Govt. Dental College and Hospital, Srinagar, J&K. Linear measurements (body length and ramus height) and angular measurements(gonial angle) were assessed both in lateral cephalogram and OPG. Independent t-test was performed for comparison of OPG and lateral cephalogram using SPSS with a probability level of p<0.05 considered to be statistically significant.

Results: The results of the study show that there is no statistically significant differences in ramus height and gonial angle when compared between OPG and lateral cephalogram while statistically significant difference exits for body length between OPG and lateral cephalogram.

Conclusion: It may be concluded that panoramic radiography can be used to determine the gonial angle and ramus height as accurately as a lateral cephalogram. However, clinicians should be vigilant when predicting horizontal measurement from OPG.