Avaliação qualitativa do osso alveolar das regiões posteriores da maxila e mandíbula e sua correlação com a existência de um lado preferencial de mastigação

Abstract

Introduction: For a good occlusion, it is necessary a healthy development throughout childhood, because the loads applied to the bone are a major influence on bone mass and architecture, demonstrating an inter-relationship between the bone structure of the jaws and function (chewing) exerted by them. Objective: This study aims to evaluate mineral density of the alveolar bone of the posterior maxilla and mandible on both sides, using cone beam computed tomography, to determine the relationship between density values and the presence of a preferred chewing side . Method: The study sample consisted of 19 individuals between 15 and 30 years old, which had complete permanent dentition, excluding third molars, which were never subjected to orthodontic and / or orthopedic facial treatment. All individuals in the sample were subjmited to the a cone beam computed tomography, obtained from the files of the Research Group in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry Graduate Program in Health, Federal University of Juiz de Fora. The evaluation of the preferred chewing side was performed by subjective visual method through the process of mastication of French bread and the average bone density were determined in the interdental regions between the premolars and molars of the maxilla and mandible. Results: In the maxilla, it was observed a significant difference between the sides compared (preferred and not preferred chewing side) two of the twelve evaluated regions (RDI 1 between the first and second molars, p = 0.020; and the RDI 3 between the second premolar and first molar, p = 0.048). The other regions evaluated in the maxilla and mandible showed no significant diferences between the sides evaluated. Conclusion: The present study found no correlation between bone mineral density and the existence of a preferred chewing side.