RADIOMORPHOMETRIC EVALUATION OF MANDIBULAR CORTICAL INDEX AMONG YOUNG AND MIDDLE-AGED LITHUANIAN INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

Background and objective. The aim of this study was morphological analysis of the cortical layer in the mandibular base distally from the mental foramen for determination of the mandibular cortical index in the Lithuanian young and middle-aged individuals according to gender, age, general health status, used medicine. Materials and methods. The study included 216 randomly selected subjects aged 19 to 50 years. A questionnaire was used to collect data on subjects’ age, gender, sociodemographic status, diseases, and used medicines, harmful habits. Skeletal bone status was examined according One – Minute test, panoramic radiography was performed, and panoramic radiographic images were analyzed to determine the mandibular cortical index. According to the classification by Klemetti, subjects were divided into 3 index morphological groups: C1, C2, and C3. Analysis was carried out by mentioned factors. Results. There was a significant relationship between mandibular cortical index and subject’s age (F=4.54; df=2; p=0.01), gender (χ2=16.22; df=2; p<0.01), thyroid diseases (p=0.05), hormonal preparation use (p<0.01), cigarette smoking (p<0.01). Conclusions: The study data confirmed the hypothesis that morphological changes in the cortical layer at the mandibular base were found among young and middle aged individuals with normal skeletal bone status and were significantly associated with subject’s age, gender, and other factors such as cigarette smoking, diseases having an influence on bone metabolism, used medicines.