Comparative Evaluation of Mandibular Endosteal Margin Erosions on Panoramic Radiographs in Dentulous and Edentulous Elderly Population: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: The mandibular bone is an important component of the facial bone and this bone shows the measurable osteoporotic changes on radiographs. One of the changes shown is mandibular endosteal margin erosions and on panoramic radiograph the changes are seen as cortical cavities and cortical residues.Aim: To evaluate and compare mandibular endosteal margin erosions on panoramic radiographs in dentulous and edentulous elderly population.Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 611 panoramic radiographs of elderly population for mandibular endosteal margin erosions using Mandibular Cortical Index (MCI), devised based on appearance of lower border of mandibular cortex distally from mental foramen as viewed on panoramic radiograph. Data collected was tested statistically using chi-square test.Results: The mandibular endosteal margin erosions were more severe in edentulous group. The difference between the groups was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). As age increased, the likelihood of the C3 category increased and mandibular endosteal erosions were more pronounced among females in both dentulous and edentulous group (p<0.05).Conclusion: Mandibular Cortical Index is simple index to determine osteoporosis and the severity of osteoporosis is directly related with edentulousness or increased tooth loss.