Evaluation of the trabecular bone structure in the mandible in patients with different skeletal vertical dimensions by fractal analysis method on panoramic radiography

AIM: It is aimed to determine the differences in trabecular bone structures of the relevant regions through the fractal analysis method on panoramic radiographs, which are widely used in dentistry practice in individuals with different skeletal vertical dimensions, and to use this method in estimating the skeletal vertical dimension. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In the study, panoramic and cephalometric radiographs of the patients in the database of Altınbaş University Faculty of Dentistry Oral, Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology were used. As a result of cephalometric analysis, 120 patients were divided into 3 equal groups as Decreased Vertical Dimension (FMA<20˚), Normal Vertical Dimension (FMA=25˚ ± 5˚) and Increased Vertical Dimension (FMA>30˚).Fractal analysis (FA) was applied to 7 different regions [right condyle (C-SA), left condyle (K-SO), right gonial region (GO-SA), left gonial region (GO-SO),right antegonial notch region (AN-SA) , left antegonial notch region (AN-SO), symphysis (SIM)] on panoramic radiography with ImageJ program and a total of 840 fractal dimension values were obtained. Fractal dimension values measured for each region were compared between groups and evaluated statistically. RESULTS: It was significant that the AN-SO measurements of the normal vertical dimension group were lower than the decreased vertical dimension (p=0,001) and increased vertical dimension (p=0,001) groups (p<0,01). It was found that the SIM measurements of the normal vertical dimension group were higher than the measurements of the increased vertical dimension group (p=0,045) (p<0,05). It was found that the K-SO measurements of the decreased vertical dimension group were higher than the increased vertical dimension group (p=0.029; p<0.05). K-SO fractal dimension values were measured as increased vertical dimension group (1,07±0,1) 0,05). CONCLUSION: Findings in the condylar region are more consistent. It can be said that fractal analysis of the condyle region on panoramic radiographs can give more accurate results than other regions in order to determine the skeletal vertical dimension of individuals. Keywords: Fractal Analysis, Skeletal Vertical Dimension, Bjork, Panoramic Radiography