Influence of Sex, Age and Presence of Functional Units on Optical Density and Bone Height of the Mandible in the Elderly

OBJECTIVES: Mandibular bone height and density were compared with age, sex and the number and type of functional dental units, as represented by Eichner index. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of 150 elderly patients of the Dental Clinic were divided into three age groups, examined and orthopantomograms/OPG/ taken. The OPGs were taken with the copper stepwedge in order to enable computer-assisted calculation of mandibular optical density and calibration of dimensional measurements by specially designed software. RESULTS:Eichner class III was found in 62% of patients. The presence of functional units was positively correlated with age (r=0.67) and bone height values (r=0.88, p<0.05). Optical density and bone height values of measurements performed at the same locations on mandibles showed no significant correlation (r=0.24, p<0.05). Intra-subject measurement showed that the eminentia piriformis region had significantly higher optical density values compared to 1st molar and mental foramen regions (p<0.05). Women had significantly lower bone height values than men (p<0.05), but no significant sex difference was found in optical density values. CONCLUSION: The presence of functional units has significant influence on bone height, although, like age or sex of the patient, it has no influence on mineral content of the mandible. The eminentia piriformis is not susceptible to bone mineral content or height change