Atwood classification of residual ridge resorption
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This describes a methodology of estimation of the severity of resorption of mandibular bone by application of the mental foramen and the inferior mandible, as appear in panoramic radiographs, as referral locations.
Estimation of about 260 images in the medium of panoramic radiographs of normal mandibles it was found that in a high percentage of films, irrespective of the usual magnification or distortion of the images, the lower edge of foramen lies very near to a line division.
By using the approximate ratio of about 3:1, the original height of the mandible can be conveniently measured from the height of the lower part of the foramen above the inferior border of the mandible.
The reduction in height of the bone is estimated too.
It is suggested that this method of estimating and describing the degree of bone resorption may help to help the study of this disease by providing an anatomic basis for classifying or grouping patients affected to varying extents.