Appearance Of Anatomical Structures Of Mandible On Panoramic Radiographs In South Indian Population

Abstract

Background: For the diagnosis and treatment planning of many disorders, such as tumors, infections, developmental abnormalities, and fractures, an accurate assessment of mandibular anatomy is crucial. Because they offer a thorough view of the whole mandible, panoramic radiographs (OPGs) are frequently used in clinical practice and are a vital diagnostic tool for disorders affecting the jaw and adjacent structures. This study aimed to investigate the appearance of mandibular anatomical structures on panoramic radiographs in the South Indian population.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 2000 digital orthopantomograms (OPGs) collected from patients visiting a private dental college hospital in Chennai, India. The study included an equal number of male and female subjects, aged 18-75 years, with no history of malformations, trauma, or musculoskeletal disorders. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, and calculations were performed using SPSS version 20 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois). Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Scientific Review Board (SRB).

Results: The study provides detailed insights into the anatomical structures of the mandible observed on panoramic radiographs like mandibular foramen, mandibular canal, incisive canal and mental foramen assessed thoroughly from the OPGs obtained.

Conclusion: The findings contribute to the understanding of mandibular anatomy on panoramic radiographs in a South Indian cohort.