Article information
Year 2020 Volume 70 Issue 4 Page 312-319
Title:
The Mental Index and Panoramic Mandibular Index in Elderly Patients: A Preliminary Cross-Sectional Study
Keyword(s):
Bone mineral density, Mental Index, Panoramic Mandibular Index, Panoramic film, Osteoporosis
Abstract:
Osteoporosis is one of clinical problem in the elderly. Many previous studies focused on the index that obtained from dental radiography. For using as an adjunctive technique and benefit for the cost reduction in the osteoporosis screening. This research aims to investigate the differences of mental index (MI) and panoramic mandibular index (PMI) between male and female patients (age above 50 years) of Dental Hospital, Faculty of Dentistry, Srinakharinwirot University. The digital panoramic radiographs were obtained from year 2013-2019. Data was analyzed by independent T-test and Pierson Chi-Square test at statistical significance p<0.05. Results showed there were 942 subjects that fit in the inclusion criteria.  There were 363 male (average age 60.36 years) and 579 female (average age 60.15 years). From MI, there were 0.36 cm for male group and 0.35 cm for female group. When compare this index between male and female, there showed no statistically different (p=0.129). From PMI, there were 0.29 for male group and 0.31 for female group. From PMI, there were difference between male and female (p=0.00). Moreover, the correlations between the two indices values were in the same direction at high level (61.5 %). From the result, sex factor influenced only PMI. However, this recent data may not be conclusive for the relationships between these 2 indices and osteoporosis. Noticeable, the PMI in males and females were significantly different. Other than its traditional use as a diagnostic aid in dental treatment, panoramic radiography could be applied to evaluate osteoporosis by PMI analysis. There will be benefits for the patients who are in urgent need of osteoporotic diagnosis and treatment.