Alveolar Bone Loss at Maxillary and Mandibular Permanent First Molars in Periodontitis Patients: A Descriptive...

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Periodontology
• Oral Radiology

Background:

• Periodontitis is a prevalent inflammatory condition leading to alveolar bone loss.
• Panoramic radiography is a key diagnostic tool for assessing bone loss.
• Limited data exists on periodontitis-related bone loss patterns in Nepal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify alveolar bone loss at mesial and distal sites of maxillary and mandibular first molars in periodontitis patients.
• To investigate the pattern and extent of bone loss using digital orthopantomograms.
• To establish baseline data for periodontitis severity in the Nepalese population.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 190 periodontitis patients.
• Alveolar bone loss measured in millimeters from the cementoenamel junction to the alveolar crest on digital orthopantomograms.
• Convenience sampling and institutional ethical clearance were obtained.

Main Results:

• Mean alveolar bone loss was 4.27 mm (mesial) and 4.45 mm (distal) for maxillary first molars.
• Mean alveolar bone loss was 3.69 mm (mesial) and 3.87 mm (distal) for mandibular first molars.
• Higher bone loss was observed in smokers, older individuals, and those with infrequent tooth brushing.

Conclusions:

• Alveolar bone loss is more pronounced in maxillary first molars compared to mandibular first molars.
• Risk factors such as smoking, age, and poor oral hygiene correlate with increased bone loss.
• Findings highlight the need for targeted periodontal interventions in Nepal.