RADIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF MANDIBULAR CONDYLE DENSITY IN DIFFERENT VERTICAL SKELETAL PATTERNS: A CBCT STUDY

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 orthodontics, faculty of dentistry, Suez Canal University

2 Department of Oral Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt

3 Orthodontic, faculty of dentistry, Suez Canal University, Egypt

Abstract

Introduction: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is crucial for stomatognathic
functions, including chewing, speaking, and swallowing. The mandibular condyle, a
vital component of the TMJ, has been extensively studied, particularly regarding its
role as a primary growth center influencing the mandible’s growth rate and size. Facial
vertical skeletal patterns are key factors that can affect condylar bone density, leading
to various structural and functional outcomes. The advent of cone beam computed
tomography (CBCT) has revolutionized the assessment of the TMJ, offering higher
accuracy than conventional 2D radiographs by providing detailed three-dimensional
images for precise evaluation of condylar density. Aim: To radiographically evaluate
mandibular condyle density across different vertical skeletal patterns using CBCT.
Materials and Methods: This study analyzed thirty-three CBCT scans from the Oral
Radiology Department archives at the Faculty of Dentistry, Suez Canal University.
The scans were categorized into three groups based on vertical skeletal patterns:
Group I (norm-divergent), Group II (hyperdivergent), and Group III (hypodivergent).
Results: Significant differences were observed between the three groups. Group I
(norm-divergent) exhibited the highest mandibular condyle density, followed by Group < br />III (hypodivergent) and Group II (hyperdivergent). Conclusion: Vertical skeletal
patterns significantly influence the density of the mandibular condyle.

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