Bony morphologic variations at angle of mandible-A prevalence study

To assess the prevalence of bony morphologic variations at the angle of mandible and the correlation of these variations with the attrition of teeth on the digital panoramic images

2364 digital panoramic images from the previous records of the patients visiting the department of Oral Medicine & Radiology, K.D Dental College & Hospital, Mathura, were observed for the bony irregularities and enlargements at the angle of mandible bilaterally

26.18% cases were affected with bony irregularities and enlargement, out of which 87.72% & 07.02% cases showed bony irregularities and bony enlargements respectively and 73.66% of the total cases were associated with attrition of teeth. It was also found that bony morphological variations at the angle of mandible were more prevalent in males with 37.82% as compared to females with 07.84%

The panoramic evidence of bony enlargements and irregularities at the angle of mandible could be associated with increased muscular activity due to associated parafunctional habits which proved as a radiologic diagnostic marker, hence thus further progressive damage to the hard tissue can be prevented.