Orthopantomographic assessment of mandibular asymmetry as an aid in diagnosis of tempromandibular problems

Abstract EN

Background : Dental rotational panoramic radiographs can be used to diagnose vertical asymmetries between the right (R) and left (L) mandible condole and / or ramus.

The aim of this study was to study the effect of dentition on condole asymmetry which is the early risk of developing temporomandibular problems.

Materials & Methods : A total sample of 70 Iraqi patients (30 dentate & 40 edentulous) were selected in this study.

All were exposed with a Siemens OPG-5.

The outline of the condole & the ascending ramus of both sides were traced using acetate paper.

The difference in vertical height between the two sides is expressed by an asymmetry index which is calculated with the formula (R-L)/(R+L) X 100 %.

Results : A statistically significant difference was found between dentate & edentulous patients regarding condole height symmetry.

Conclusion : More than 6 % differences measured on OPG-5 indicated condole asymmetry.