Mandibular tori are associated with mandibular bone quality: a case-control study.

Mandibular tori are associated with mandibular bone quality: a case-control study Running title: Tori and mandibular bone quality Nagihan Koç, Leyla Berna Çağırankaya Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE: Nagihan Koç, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, 06230 Ankara, Turkey, tel: 90-312-305-22-05, fax: 90-312-310-44-40, e-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: : Torus mandibularis (TM) is one of the most common oral exostoses. The presence of TMs has been correlated with high skeletal bone mineral density. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between TM and mandibular bone quality based on the measurement of mandibular cortical index (MCI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study was designed for patients who attended the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Clinic at the University of Hacettepe, Ankara, Turkey for routine dental examination. Patients with TMs were defined as cases, and those without TMs were defined as controls. The presence of tori was assessed by visual inspection and digital palpation. MCI assessments were done based on Klemetti's classification in separate sessions after completing all clinical examinations. The associations between the presence of TMs, MCI and parafunctional activity were assessed.

RESULTS: The sample consisted of 80 subjects with TMs and 80 control subjects. The presence of TMs was strongly associated with parafunctional activity (P = 0.036) and a non-eroded mandibular cortex (MCI C1, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Parafunctional activity may be a factor related to formation or existence of TMs. The association between TMs and mandibular morphology may suggest that subjects with TMs may have a higher mandibular bone quality compared to those without TMs.