Investigation of the determinants of the mandibular cortical morphology

The mandibular cortical index (MCI) is a measurement based on the visual assessment of changes in the morphology of the mandibular cortex on panoramic radiographs.

The present study aimed to investigate age, gender, dental status (DS), occlusal function, and presence of torus mandibularis (TM) as variables that might have a possible effect on MCI.

A total of 381 patients (155 men and 226 women) aged 21-84 years (mean age: 43.8 ±14.5 years) were included in this study. Age, gender and DS were recorded for each patient. The occlusal function was evaluated using the Eichner index (EI). The presence of tori was assessed by visual inspection and digital palpation. The MCI assessments were done based on Klemetti's classification (C1-C3). Statistical comparisons were performed using the χ2 test, independent samples t-test and multiple logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05).

Significant differences were observed between the MCI categories regarding age, gender, DS, EI, and TM. The likelihood of the MCI categories C2 and C3 was increased in males (odds ratio (OR) 9.33; p < 0.001), when TM was absent (OR 2.73; p < 0.001), in EI Class B (OR 2.68; p = 0.027), and in the age group 50-70 years (OR 2.5; p = 0.018).

Morphological changes of the mandibular cortical bone are related to gender, presence of TM, occlusal function expressed as EI, and age.