Radiographic evaluation of alveolar ridge heights of dentate and edentulous patients

Objective: To evaluate the reduction of residual alveolar ridge height on panoramic radiographs and the differences between denture wearers and non-denture wearers. Materials and methods: The study consisted of 147 individuals (74 men and 73 women) [ 50 were denture wearers and 50 non-denture wearers (examination groups) and 47 of them were dentate (control group)]. Individuals having diseases impacting on bone were excluded. Vertical measurements were made at 15 sites (central incisors, first premolars and molars at the left and right of both jaws and the distance between the zygoma/ orbit). MANOVA (multi-variate analysis of variation) was used for the statistical analysis of the results. Results: There were significant differences between the alveolar ridge heights of dentate and edentulous groups (p < 0.001). Between the denture wearer and the non-denture wearer groups, there was significant difference in the lower jaw (p < 0.001), but no significant difference in the upper jaw (p = 0.635). There were also differences between men and women (p < 0.005) and upper and lower jaws at every measurement sites (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Reduction in residual alveolar ridge height was in close relation with gender, denture usage and edentulousness