Abstract
BackgroundTooth loss adversely affects patients’ health and psychosocial wellbeing. In addition, it changes mandibular morphology. Objective: To evaluate the effect of tooth loss, age, and gender on mandibular morphology.Material and MethodsCone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) scans of 101 patients were examined to measure the gonial angle (GA), ramus height (RH) and condylar height (CH). Patients’ age, gender, and dental status were recorded. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the impact of gender, age, and tooth loss on the GA, RH and CH. The mean measurements of the GA, RH and CH were compared between dentate/edentulous patients after splitting by gender.ResultsThe GA was larger in edentulous patients compared to dentate ones, in females than in males, and in older than in younger. RH on the right side was significantly longer than on the left side (P< 0.0001), and also longer in males and younger patients. CH was shorter in younger than in older patients and in dentate than in edentulous patients.ConclusionsTooth loss is associated with changes in mandibular morphology and its prevention would avoid these irreversible changes. Key words:Tooth loss, mandibular morphology, Cone-Beam computed tomography, gender, age.
Highlights
Tooth loss has several drawbacks on quality of life
Comparing the gonial angles (GA) and ramus (RH) and condylar (CH) heights of the mandible in 101 subjects measured on Cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) scans, the GA was greater on the left than on the right side and the condylar height (CH) was greater on the left than on the right side
The right and left GA, ramus height (RH), and CH were greater in edentulous patients than in dentate patients and this difference was statistically significant in the case of right and left CH (Table 3)
Summary
Tooth loss has several drawbacks on quality of life. It has a negative impact on patient’s physical and psychological states [1]. Tooth loss is associated with changes in mandibular morphology [5]. It has been suggested that changes in the gonial angle is related to older age only if this is associated with tooth loss [11]. Changes in the ramus height (RH) and condylar height (CH) in relation to tooth loss, age, and gender were investigated previously but conflicting results were reported [5,10]. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of tooth loss, age, and gender on mandibular morphology in the adult Saudi population. The hypothesis of the study was that age and gender are associated with changes in the morphological features of the mandible that is equal to that of tooth loss. Tooth loss adversely affects patients’ health and psychosocial wellbeing Conclusions: Tooth loss is associated with changes in mandibular morphology and its prevention would avoid these irreversible changes
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