Comparison of Sagittal Condylar Guidance Angle Obtained by Radiographic Methods and Manual Programming of Articulators in Dentate Patients - A Clinico-radiographic Study.

Background: The ultimate goal of advanced procedures in prosthetic dentistry is to construct a prosthesis based on the accurate reproduction of condylar guidance.

Aim: To compare the sagittal condylar inclination obtained using the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), panoramic image, and two articulator systems.

Settings and design: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 20 dentate patients in the age group of 20-40 years.

Materials and methods: Sagittal condylar guidance angles (SCGAs) were measured on two semi-adjustable articulators (Hanau Wide Vue and Denar Mark 320) using protrusive interocclusal record. SCGAs were also measured on the CBCT scans (CBCT reconstructed panoramic image and CBCT sagittal cross section) and the panoramic images obtained from the patients. The angles were determined on the radiographs by joining two lines: Frankfort's horizontal plane and the other plane were drawn by connecting the superior-most point on the glenoid fossa and the inferior-most point on the articular eminence. All the measurements were done twice by two operators independently.

Statistical analysis used: The data were analyzed using the paired t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient with a P ≤ 0.05.

Results: There was no significant difference between the right and the left side in any of the groups (P ≥ 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference between the clinical methods (P ≥ 0.05). However, there was a significant difference between the clinical and the radiographic methods (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between the clinical and radiographic methods with Pearson's Correlation coefficient above 0.67.

Conclusion: There is a strong correlation between the clinical and radiographic methods. Thus, CBCT and OPG can be used an adjunct to clinical methods to record sagittal condylar guidance.