Investigation of mandibular fractal dimension on digital panoramic radiographs in bruxist individuals.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate changes in mandibular trabecular bone structure in bruxism using fractal analysis on digital panoramic radiographs obtained with automatic dosing.

Study Design: In this prospective study, fractal analysis was performed on radiographs of 126 bruxists and 126 non-bruxists. Eight paired mandibular regions of interest were selected: the bilateral condylar and gonial regions, and the bilateral dentate regions between the apical areas of the first molar and second premolar and between the first premolar and canine. Fractal dimensions (FDs) were calculated at each site.

Results: Mean FD values in the bilateral gonial regions of the bruxists were significantly lower than those of controls (P ≤ .049). In both groups, FD values of the right dentate region anterior to the mental foramen were significantly lower than those on the left side (P ≤ .042). Females exhibited significantly lower FD values in both condylar regions in both groups (P ≤ .039) and in the right dentate regions in the controls (P ≤ .022). Correlations between age and FD in all regions were positive but nonsignificant in both groups (P > .05).

Conclusions: FD values of mandibular trabecular bone are affected by bruxism in the gonial region and by laterality and sex differences in the condylar and dentate regions.