Journal of Dental Research, Vol 64, 925-929, Copyright © 1985 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Periodontal bone loss in dry mandibles of South African blacks: a biometric study
H. Tal
Periodontal bone loss associated with periodontitis results in increase in
the distance between the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) and the alveolar
bone crest (ABC). This study analyzed periodontal bone loss in 100
mandibles of South African blacks who were never exposed to preventive or
restorative dental treatment. Specimens were equally distributed over the
third to the seventh decade of adult life. CEJ-to-ABC (CA) distances were
measured along 4904 surfaces of 1076 teeth. Analysis of the measurements
showed that, generally, CA distances increased with age; differences were
substantial between the first and fifth age groups. The incisors were most
severely affected in all age groups, and bone loss was less severe around
posterior teeth. Pre-molars and second molars lost the least bone. No
significant differences between measurements on the buccal, lingual,
mesial, or distal surfaces for these teeth were found. Measurements on the
right and left sides of the mandible did not differ significantly. These
observations may, in part, have been influenced by mid-life loss of teeth
caused by severe periodontitis; their absence from the sample may have
masked the true extent of periodontal bone loss. The difference in age of
eruption and, therefore, the difference in period of exposure to the oral
environment may account for the more severe bone loss in the anterior
teeth, especially in specimens from younger individuals (21-30 years).
