Can Intra Oral Periapical Radiographs be Used as an Adjunct Diagnostic Marker in Detecting Underlying Systemic Diseases? A Randomised Case Control Study'

摘要

Purpose: Periapical dental radiography, despite being two dimensional and limited in size appears to be the best projection to identify the nutrient canals in the mandibular anterior region. A study was undertaken to evaluate the presence of mandibular nutrient canals in the anterior region using intra oral periapical films in subjects with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, completely and partially edentulous mandible, periodontally compromised subjects and in post menopausal women and was compared with controls. Material and Method: The study consisted of seven groups each with 50 subjects. The radiographic analysis of the anterior mandible was done using the intra oral periapical radiographs and the presence or absence of nutrient canals was evaluated. Results: A statistical increase in the prevalence of nutrient canals was observed in all the study groups. The nutrient canals were present in 8% in the control group, 34 % in the hypertensive group, 60% in the diabetes group, 72% in subjects with both diabetes and hypertension, 70% in completely and partially edentulous patients, 62 % in the periodontitis group and 50% in the post menopausal women. Conclusion: The presence of nutrient canals can be used as an adjunct diagnostic marker for detection of underlying systemic diseases.