Resorption of mandibular canal wall in the edentulous aged population

Abstract

Statement of problem. The mandibular canal wall may be affected by the progress of residual ridge resorption after tooth extraction. Little knowledge is available regarding the relationship of specific systemic factors and the resorption of the mandibular canal wall. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to assess the status of the mandibular canal in the edentulous mandible and to determine whether there is any relationship between the resorption of the mandibular canal wall and selected health indices in the elderly. Material and methods. The status of the mandibular canal was assessed from panoramic radiographs of 128 edentulous elderly subjects (32 men and 96 women). Results. The superior border of the mandibular canal was more frequently resorbed in women (32.6%) than in men (9.8%). Resorption in the mandibular canal wall was significantly more prevalent in subjects with asthma (odds ratio: 6.0), with thyroid disease (odds ratio: 3.04), and with a cortical thickness at the mandibular angle less than 1 mm thick (odds ratio 2.74). Conclusion. The findings suggest that gender, asthma, and thyroid disease play important roles in resorption of the mandibular canal wall. (J Prosthet Dent 1997;77:596-600.)