Relationship Between Tooth Decay and Trabecular Bone

Evaluation of the Relationship Between Tooth Decay and Trabecular Bone Structure in Pediatric Patients by Fractal Analysis Method: A Retrospective Study

Chewing, a movement that matures with experiences, has effects on the growth and development of the stomatognathic system. Tooth decay, which is known to have effects on chewing, can affect the jaw bone due to its indirect effect on the mechanical forces transmitted to the jaw bone. This study was aimed to evaluate the relationship between dental caries and jaw bone trabeculation during the growth and development processes in children by fractal dimension analysis method. 40 patients with deep-dentin caries / apical rarefying osteitis on the right or left side, 40 patients with deep-dentin caries / apical rarefying osteitis on either the right and left sides and 40 patients without deep-dentin caries / apical rarefying osteitis between 8-13 ages were randomly selected. Digital panoramic images of the selected patients were analyzed with fractal dimension analysis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Panoramic radiographs of systemically healthy 8-13 years-old patients,
• Who applied to the Clinic between January 2018 and April 2020 were retrospectively scanned.
• Patients with 1st molars whose root development was completed and the 2nd molars not erupted yet were included.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with temporomandibular joint disorders, any systemic disease, exposed to trauma in the area to be measured, received orthodontic treatment for the last 2 years or had an ongoing orthodontic treatment, unilateral / bilateral cross-bite and had parafunctional habits in their anamnesis were excluded.