The Analysis of Articular Eminence Changes in Edentulous Patients Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare articular eminence (AE) between dentated and edentulous patients by examining internal bone structure of AE with fractal analysis (FA), AE inclination (AEI), and morphology on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) records.Methods: A total of 200 AEs were examined. The region of interest for FA was chosen as a square placed at the geometrical center of the AE on sagittal slices. The AEI measurement was performed on the central sagittal slice. All three plane sections were assessed for morphologic evaluation.Results: There was no significant difference between the groups for FA and distribution of AE morphology (P=.428 and P=.082). The AEI values in the study group were significantly lower compared to control group (P<.001).Conclusion: Edentulous patients exhibited lower AEI values, but edentulism does not affect the trabecular bone structure of the AE despite these lower values.