The association between mandibular inferior cortex indices and serum levels of calcium and phosphorus

Abstract

Background. Mandibular cortical morphology (MCM) and mandibular cortical width (MCW) are 2 indices related to the mandibular inferior cortex in panoramic radiography. Objectives. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between serum calcium and phosphorus levels and MCM and MCW in patients over 40 years old at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology at Isfahan School of Dentistry. Material and methods. After the patients signed the consent form, blood specimens were collected and serum calcium and phosphorus levels were determined. Each patient’s MCM was determined by observing the mandible distally from the mental foramen on both sides, and was categorized into one of 3 groups based on the degree of erosion. The MCW was measured bilaterally on the radiographs of the mental foramen region. Results. The examinations found that 63.3% of the patients had mildly to moderately eroded cortices, and the mean MCW was 4.28 ± 1.09. Unlike MCW, which did not differ between the genders, MCM was different in men and women. Also, MCM significantly correlated with age, while MCW did not show this correlation. Neither MCW nor MCM were significantly different between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Moreover, neither MCW nor MCM were related to serum calcium or phosphorus levels. However, MCW and MCM had a significant negative correlation with each other. Conclusions. Based on the results of the present study, MCM and MCW were not related to serum calcium or phosphorus levels. However, they had a significant negative correlation with each other. Further studies might clarify any possible relation between mandibular inferior cortex indices and serum calcium and phosphorus levels.