Radiomorphic indices of mandible: a qualitative osseous study based on orthopantomography

This study investigated the relationships between mandibular radiomorphometric indices on panoramic radiographs in the Indian population, examining 150 subjects across different age groups. Three calibrated observers evaluated the mandibular cortical index (MCI) and measured the mental index (MI) and panoramic mandibular index (PMI) using digital tools. The results demonstrated significant correlations between MCI categories and both PMI and MI measurements, with all subjects in the C3 category showing PMI values below 0.3 mm and 94.4% exhibiting MI values below 3.0 mm, predominantly among females. Mean PMI values showed a decreasing trend from C1 (0.31±0.04 mm) to C3 (0.18±0.06 mm), with corresponding decreases in MI values (C1: 3.7±0.52 mm to C3: 2.22±0.63 mm), although these values were generally lower than previous reports. The study successfully established correlations between these radiomorphometric indices in the Indian population and provided population-specific reference values, confirming panoramic radiomorphometry as an effective preliminary screening tool for bone quality assessment in routine dental practice.