Oligodontia Related to Increased Proportion of Mandibular Canal in Relation to Mandibular Height

Objectives: The aim was to analyse a possible difference in mandibular canal's vertical proportion (%) of the mandibular height on panoramic radiographs of individuals affected by oligodontia as compared to an age-and gender-matched control group with full dentition. Material and Methods: In this retrospective study panoramic radiographs from 31 individuals (10M, 21F) with a Mean ± SD age of 18.1 ± 2.4 years with oligodontia were analysed and compared to 31 individuals (10M, 21F) with a Mean ± SD age of 18.0 ± 2.7 years with full dentition. Digital linear measurements of the mandibular canal's vertical height and the total mandibular height at the lower first molar were made. The proportional height of the mandibular canal in relation to the total mandibular height was calculated. Results: The measurements showed that the proportional height of the mandibular canal in relation to the total mandibular height was higher (P<0.05) in the oligodontia group as compared to the control group for all the measured sides of the lower first molars. Conclusion: The mandibular canal constituted a larger part of the mandibular height in individuals with oligodontia than in an age-and gendermatched control group without dental agenesis.