Evaluation of mandibular condylar morphology using orthopantomogram in South Indian population

The most complex and important portion of the body and masticatory system are the temporomandibular joint. The growth of mandibular bone in both sagittal and vertical directions is by the condylar process. This study is done to determine different shapes of mandibular condyles using orthopantomographs (OPGs). The study's goal was to determine the morphology of the mandibular condyle in South Indians. One hundred digital OPGs with no defects were selected and obtained from private dental institutes and hospitals in Chennai for this study. The morphology of the mandibular condyle was studied and tabulated. Using the SPSS software, the Chi-square test was done to find associations between demographics and morphology. The study was an attempt to find the prevalent shape of the condylar head using a panoramic radiograph. Fifty-one percent were oval in shape, 20.5% were bird beak in shape, 13.6% were diamond in shape, and 14.9% were crooked finger in shape. The results suggest an oval-oval shape in more frequency among both genders. OPGs are the most commonly used and interpreted radiographs, due to their low radiation and easy availability among dentists. Hence, the shape of the mandibular condyle can also be determined using OPGs; future studies are to be conducted in large samples to make the context evident.