Evaluation of dentofacial asymmetry caused by odontomas using panoramic radiographs.

AIMS: To evaluate the presence of dentofacial asymmetry in patients with odontoma by panoramic radiography. METHODS: Panoramic images with odontoma were selected among all panoramic radiographs (3058 patients). Maxillary odontoma was detected in 27 patients while mandibular odontoma was detected in 25 patients. In addition, 30 patients with similar age and gender characteristics were selected as the control group. Skeletal angular, skeletal linear and dental measurements were performed on panoramic radiographs. The odontoma region and the opposite side of the odontoma of the individuals were examined. The dentofacial asymmetry of the odontoma groups was compared with the control group. Paired t-test was used to determine dentofacial asymmetry on the right and left side of the patients with odontoma. The ANOVA test was used for testing the differences among groups. RESULTS: As a result of study, no significant difference was found between the region of the odontoma and the symmetrical region in the maxilla and mandibula (P > 0.05). In the control group, a statistically significant difference was found in the angle between the mandibular canal and the mental foramen, lower incisor size, PFH/CutCat( degrees ), and Co-Mc-Me( degrees ) measurements (P < 0.05). In the maxillary and mandibular odontoma groups, a statistically significant difference was found in the angle between the mandibular canal and the menton, CH (mm), RH (mm), and CrH (mm) in the comparison of the odontoma and the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: No difference was found between the right and left sides of the jaws related with the asymmetry of the maxilla and mandible.