Purpose : This study aimed to assess the risk of periodontal disease using the mandibular cortical index (MCI) on digital panoramic radiographs.

Materials and methods : The study included 112 patients who underwent basic periodontal examination and panoramic radiography at our hospital from April 2007 to March 2021. We assessed and classified the MCI (Group I: Type I; Group II: Types II and III) below the mental foramen on images. Probing pocket depth (PPD) was measured, and the deepest PPD was assessed.

Results : Group I had a high percentage of deepest PPD <4 mm; in contrast, Group II had a higher proportion of those with ≥4 mm (P<0.05).

Conclusion : This study identified a significant relationship between MCI and PPD, suggesting that assessment of MCI on digital panoramic radiographs is useful for risk assessment of periodontal disease.