RADIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF MANDIBULAR CONDYLE DENSITY IN DIFFERENT VERTICAL SKELETAL PATTERNS: A CBCT STUDY

Introduction: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is crucial for stomatognathicfunctions, including chewing, speaking, and swallowing. The mandibular condyle, avital component of the TMJ, has been extensively studied, particularly regarding itsrole as a primary growth center influencing the mandible’s growth rate and size. Facialvertical skeletal patterns are key factors that can affect condylar bone density, leadingto various structural and functional outcomes. The advent of cone beam computedtomography (CBCT) has revolutionized the assessment of the TMJ, offering higheraccuracy than conventional 2D radiographs by providing detailed three-dimensionalimages for precise evaluation of condylar density. Aim: To radiographically evaluatemandibular condyle density across different vertical skeletal patterns using CBCT.Materials and Methods: This study analyzed thirty-three CBCT scans from the OralRadiology Department archives at the Faculty of Dentistry, Suez Canal University.The scans were categorized into three groups based on vertical skeletal patterns:Group I (norm-divergent), Group II (hyperdivergent), and Group III (hypodivergent).Results: Significant differences were observed between the three groups. Group I(norm-divergent) exhibited the highest mandibular condyle density, followed by Group < br />III (hypodivergent) and Group II (hyperdivergent). Conclusion: Vertical skeletalpatterns significantly influence the density of the mandibular condyle.