Poster Discussion

Background & Aim: Bruxism is a common phenomenon, with a prevalence of 8–31%. As a result of this activity, the mandible is exposed tostrong and long-term bite forces. The aim of this study was to evaluate mandibular bone and periodontal tissue changes using Cone BeamComputed Tomography (CBCT).Methods: CBCT images of patients with bruxism taken for variousreasons were used in the radiology archive of Kocaeli University, Faculty of Dentistry. Bone changes were measured using radiomorphometric indices [superior mandibular index (CBCT-I[S]), inferiormandibular index (CBCT-I[l]), mental index (CBCT-MI), mandibularcortical index (CBCT-CI)] in the mental foramen region. In addition,lamina dura thickness (LD), periodontal ligament width (PDL), andradiological alveolar bone loss (RBL) of the posterior teeth wererecorded.Results: A total of 127 CBCT images (66 left/61 right mandible) of78 bruxists aged 18–55 were analysed retrospectively. While 55 ofthe participants were females (70.5%), 23 were male (29.5%) and themean age was 40.83 + 11.6-yrs-old. Of the total 127 CBCT imagesevaluated, 38.6% had LD thickening, 61.9% had widening of the PDL,and 50.2% of individuals had RBL. The widening of the PDL range andRBL was found to be higher in older individuals (p < 0.05). CBCT-MImean was 3.4 mm. CBCT-MI was above the threshold value in 75.5%of all images. CBCT-I (S) was 0.27, CBCT-I (l) was 0.22. CBCT-I indiceswere higher in women (p < 0.05). Of the images, 82 were CBCT-CItype1 (64.5%) and 45 were type2 (35.5%). CBCT-CI type3 was notseen in any of the patients. Individuals who are older than 40 yearsold have a higher rate of CBCT-CI type2 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The forces caused by bruxism may cause the periodontalligament space to widen, increase in mandibular cortical width, anddecrease in the bone porosity. These changes should be consideredwhen planning treatment in patients with bruxism.