Abstract

Objective
To assess the predictability of grayscale values in a CBCT scan to assess the level of
maturation of midpalatal suture density using CBCT modality
Materials and Methods:
The 58 CBCT images of maxillary arch of subjects belonging to the age group 5-32 years were
evaluated to assess morphologic stages of the midpalatal suture maturation stages A to E
based on the Angeliere classification using the grayscale values. One-way ANOVA test was
used to check the variation of grayscale in different groups of mid palatal suture
classification. Pearson's correlation test was used to determine the correlation between the age
of the subjects and grayscale values. An arithmetic calculation was done to convert the
grayscale values into Hounsfield units to assess bone density according to the Misch’s
Classification.
Results- Mean and standard deviation of the grayscale value corresponding to the palatal
maturation stage were assessed and its Hounsfield units (HU) were obtained by using the
mathematicalformula. There was a statistically significant difference among the stages. No
significant difference was observed between stage D and E (p-value >0.05). There was a
significant correlation between the age of the patient and the corresponding grayscale value (r
=0.599, p=0.00).
Conclusion- A statistically significant difference between the ossification stages of the mid
palatine suture and grayscale values was obtained from CBCT and can be hence used as an
alternate method for checking bone density. There is an increase in grayscale value observed
as the age of the subjects increases.