Assessment of Mandibular Condyle Shape and Its Correlation with Dental Attrition on Orthopantomogram: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The mandibular condyle is a highly adaptable component of the temporomandibular joint that undergoes structural changes in response to functional loading, aging, occlusal alterations, and temporomandibular joint adaptation. Dental attrition, characterized by progressive loss of tooth structure through tooth-to-tooth contact, may modify occlusal relationships and alter biomechanical forces transmitted to the TMJ. Although panoramic radiography is routinely used for evaluating condylar morphology, evidence regarding its association with dental attrition remains limited. Aim:To evaluate the association between mandibular condylar morphology and dental attrition using digital panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods:A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using 94 archived digital orthopantomograms of individuals aged 30–60 years. Participants were categorized into attrition (n = 50) and non-attrition (n = 44) groups. Bilateral condylar morphology was classified as oval, bird beak, crooked finger or diamond. The collected data were summarized using descriptive statistical methods and the Chi-square test was used to evaluate the association between condylar morphology and dental attrition, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results:The mean age of the participants was 40.65 ± 7.89 years, with equal gender distribution. On the right side, bird beak morphology was more frequently observed in the attrition group (50%), whereas oval morphology predominated in the non-attrition group (59.1%). However, this difference was not statistically significant (χ² = 8.892, p = 0.064). On the left side, oval morphology was the predominant pattern in both groups, and no significant association was identified between condylar morphology and dental attrition (χ² = 3.747, p = 0.441). Conclusion:Mandibular condylar morphology exhibited considerable variation among individuals with and without dental attrition. Although bird beak morphology occurred more frequently in participants with attrition, no statistically significant association was demonstrated. Digital panoramic radiography remains a practical first-line imaging modality for evaluating condylar morphology, while advanced three-dimensional imaging may help identify subtle bony changes that are not clearly visible on panoramic radiographs.