Evaluation of mandibular trabecular bone by fractal analysis on panoramic radiograph in paediatric patients with sleep bruxism.

Abstract

To evaluate the trabecular bone density in the mandible of paediatric patients diagnosed with sleep bruxism (SB) using the fractal analysis method on panoramic radiographs. A total of 37 patients whose anamnesis and clinical signs were compatible with SB were diagnosed with SB using BiteStrip® . Three areas were identified on the panoramic radiographs of the patients: the geometric center of the condyle, the angulus region under the mandibular canal, and the distal region of the mental foramen. Regions of interest (ROIs) of 60×60pixels were selected in these three locations, and fractal dimensions (FDs) were calculated. Results were compared with the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the right and left FD values, and male and female FD values in all regions and both groups (p>.05). In the angulus (p=.03) and condyle (p=.03) regions, the SB group had a significantly higher FD value than the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the SB and control groups in the corpus region (p=.98). A moderate negative correlation arose between age and condyle FD values among controls (r=-0.38, p=.02). Fractal dimension values evaluating trabeculation of the mandibular bone are affected by SB in the angulus and condyle regions.