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Relationship Between Tooth Mobility and Surrounding Bone Tissue Condition in Mandible of Elderly Home Residents

Mechanical, metabolic, nutritional, hormonal and probably other, as yet unknown, factors are involved in alveolar bone atrophy, which occurs during periodontal pathological conditions and after tooth extraction. The aim of the present study was to examine mandibular teeth status and mobility, and to evaluate surrounding bone tissue condition using orthopantomographic screening analyses. The sample consisted of 94 elderly home residents. Tooth mobility was measured by Periotest&#8482; (Siemens, Germany) apparatus. Computer measurement software was specially designed for morphometric and optical density measurements of the mandible, with copper stepwedge as orthopantomographic measurement calibration tool. The results of the investigation showed significant correlation between tooth mobility and mandibular bone height (r=0.744, p<0.01), with mandibular incisors being the most mobile teeth (average mobility = 1.1mm in horizontal plane), and canines being the least mobile (average mobility = 0.4 mm). However, no correlation was determined between optical bone density and tooth mobility (r=0.231, p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in tooth mobility relative to gender, while age of the subject was identified as significant factor, with older subjects exhibiting larger tooth mobility, but also greater alveolar atrophy. Although significant bone height reduction was observed in molar area, the corresponding tooth mobility was lower than that of incisors, which could be attributed to their morphological characteristics. It can be concluded that alveolar atrophy has significant negative influence on tooth mobility, while reduced bone density does not impair tooth stability. Gender of subject has no influence on tooth mobility, as opposite to age which is significantly correlated to tooth mobility and alveolar atrophy.

tooth mobility; optical bone density; elderly; bone height

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