Variations in the trabecular bone ratio of the maxilla according to sex, age, and region using micro-computed tomography in Koreans

These cortical and trabecular bones maintain general bone structure. Bone mineral density (BMD) changes according to increasing age, sex, and teeth loss. From previous studies, the evaluation of BMD changes depended on conventional radiographic analysis. This study investigated the trabecular bone ratio (TBR) in maxillary bone samples based on data obtained by micro-computed tomography and estimated variations in BMD according to age, sex, and tooth loss. Thirty-eight specimens were scanned with micro-computed tomography and reconstructed three-dimensionally. Sections were made parallel to the axis of each tooth, and the TBR was measured. Data were statistically analyzed with 1-way analysis of variance and paired t-tests (α = 0.05). The TBR differed significantly (P < 0.05) in each tooth region in the dentate group but not in the edentulous group. The mean TBR was higher in men than in women. The TBR reduced more with increasing age in the dentate group than in the edentulous group. The TBR varies according to the presence of teeth, sex, and age in specific teeth regions.