Correlation between residual ridge resorption and radiomorphometric indices

The study evaluated the relationship between residual ridge resorption (RRR) and radiomorphometric indices, including mandibular cortical index (MCI), mandibular cortical width (MCW) and panoramic mandibular index (PMI), along with demographic factors.

Panoramic radiographs of 1863 patients over 20 years of age were assessed. Gender, age and dental status of each patient were recorded. Relationships between RRR and demographic factors and radiomorphometric indices were evaluated using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests with level of significance of p = 0.05.

Residual ridge resorption was not affected by gender (p > 0.05), but was more frequently seen in patients over the age of 50 compared with those below 49 years of age (p < 0.001). RRR was significantly associated with edentulism (p < 0.001) and with severe erosions of endosteal margin of mandible (p < 0.05). RRR was more frequently seen in patients with PMI below 0.30 (p < 0.001) and with MCW below 3 mm in 50- to 69-year-old age group (p < 0.001).

Patients younger than 50 years of age who demonstrate severe erosions of endosteal margin of mandible and have MCW < 3 mm and PMI < 0.30 appear to be suitable candidates for early implant placement or for maintaining roots or natural teeth to preserve bone, regardless of gender.