Cephalometric: evaluation of influence of edentulousness on mandibular morphology: a comparative study

Mandible undergoes several dimensional changes due to aging accompanied with gradual loss of teeth. There is marked alterations in shape and dimensions of the parts of the mandible associated with complete or nearly complete loss of dentition. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of loss of dentition on the dimensions of mandible using lateral cephalogram. The study group comprised of 35 dentulous subjects (age range 25-30 years) and 35 edentulous subjects (age range 45-65 years), with a period of edentulousness of 1-5 years. Subjects were selected based on certain selection criteria and lateral cephalograms were taken. Lateral cephalograms were traced and the values obtained were statistically analyzed using T test. On statistical analysis it was found that the thickness of condylar process and corpus were reduced in edentulous subjects. Length of mandible, ramus and corpus were reduced in edentulous subjects when compared to dentulous subjects. Gonial angle was more obtuse in edentulous subjects. Reduction in thickness of condylar length and length of mandible were negatively correlated to duration of edentulousness. It can be concluded that mandible undergoes significant dimensional changes as a result of loss of teeth.