Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (788 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
The largest and strongest bone of the FACE constituting the lower jaw. It supports the lower teeth.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Mandibles; Mylohyoid Ridge; Mylohyoid Ridges; Ridge, Mylohyoid; Ridges, Mylohyoid; Mylohyoid Groove; Groove, Mylohyoid; Grooves, Mylohyoid.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Jaw
- Narrower topics
- Chin; Mandibular Canal; Mandibular Condyle; Mental Foramen
- See also
- Chin; Temporomandibular Joint
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 66,387 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Mandible” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 10,513 of them (15.8%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 26,932 records.
Reviews account for 3,459 records (5.2%) and meta-analyses for 392. Randomized controlled trials number 1,884 (2.8%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 26,932 |
| 2000-2009 | 12,387 |
| 2010-2019 | 16,555 |
| 2020 onward | 10,513 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 3,459 | 5.2% |
| Meta-analyses | 392 | 0.6% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 1,884 | 2.8% |
Method: PubMed query "Mandible"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.
Reading the evidence in anatomy and physiology
Anatomy describes how body structures are built and physiology describes how they normally work, so most findings here are descriptive or mechanistic rather than evidence about treatment. Much of what is known comes from dissection, imaging, tissue studies and experiments in animals, and measurements in healthy volunteers can differ from those in people with disease or at different ages. Normal ranges vary between individuals and populations. Check whether a result was measured in people or in another species, the age and health of the participants, and the method used.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
Role of Keratinized Mucosa on the Risk of Peri-Implant Diseases and Soft Tissue Dehiscence in the Posterior Mandible-A 20-Year Prospective Cohort Study [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- AimTo evaluate the 20-year outcomes of tissue-level implants placed in the posterior mandible, comparing implants surrounded by keratinized tissue (KT) or alveolar mucosa (AM).
- Closing excerpt
- Additional treatment was required in 11 AM patients (50%) versus 2 KT patients (5%) (p ConclusionTissue level implants placed in the posterior mandible without KT showed greater marginal bone loss, bleeding on probing, soft tissue recession, and peri-implant diseases compared to implants with KT at 20 years.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (191 words)
AimTo evaluate the 20-year outcomes of tissue-level implants placed in the posterior mandible, comparing implants surrounded by keratinized tissue (KT) or alveolar mucosa (AM).MethodsAt baseline, 128 patients (128 implants) were rehabilitated with implant-supported fixed dental prostheses in the posterior mandible and enrolled in a supportive periodontal/peri-implant care (SPC) program. Patients were categorized based on the presence (KT) or absence (AM) of keratinized mucosa. During the first 10 years of SPC, 11 AM patients underwent free gingival grafting (FGG), identifying a third group (AM + FGG). At the 20-year follow-up, peri-implant health status and soft-tissue dehiscence were assessed according to the 2018 Case Definitions. The need for additional treatment between the 10- and 20-year examinations was also recorded.ResultsOf the 98 patients evaluated at the 10-year follow-up, 64 (KT = 42; AM = 16; AM + FGG = 6; drop-out rate: 35%) attended the 20-year examination. Additional treatment was required in 11 AM patients (50%) versus 2 KT patients (5%) (p ConclusionTissue level implants placed in the posterior mandible without KT showed greater marginal bone loss, bleeding on probing, soft tissue recession, and peri-implant diseases compared to implants with KT at 20 years.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 40689718 · DOI · PMC12881885
Mandibular Implants: A Metamaterial-Based Approach to Reducing Stress Shielding [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Biomechanical complications, such as stress shielding, bone resorption, and reconstruction failure, are prevalently associated with solid titanium mandible reconstruction plates.
- Closing excerpt
- Hence, despite their reduced load-bearing capacity, they can, potentially, preserve bone integrity and prevent implant failure that should be validated in future (pre-)clinical studies.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (190 words)
Biomechanical complications, such as stress shielding, bone resorption, and reconstruction failure, are prevalently associated with solid titanium mandible reconstruction plates. This study evaluates the potential of metamaterial designs with porous gyroid microarchitectures, to enhance biomechanical stimulation and mitigate these complications. A novel metamaterial reconstruction plate is compared with solid titanium plates, both patient-specifically designed and fabricated from Ti6Al4 V alloy. Stress shielding is assessed through photoelasticity experiments and validated with finite element analysis (FEA). Transparent mandible models are loaded incrementally (0-1000 N) to analyze stress distributions in the implants, screws, and mandible segments. The metamaterial plate reduces stress concentrations in the distant mandibular regions from the defect, while increasing stress around the screws near the defect, favoring local mechanical stimulation. FEA confirms improved load distribution (p = 0.003). However, the metamaterial plate exhibited a lower load-bearing capacity, failing at 775 N, while the solid plate withstood 1800 N without failure. Yet, the metamaterial design effectively reduced stress shielding, thereby enhancing biomechanical function near critical mandibular regions. Hence, despite their reduced load-bearing capacity, they can, potentially, preserve bone integrity and prevent implant failure that should be validated in future (pre-)clinical studies.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 40183751 · DOI · PMC12083438
Risk of Permanent Dysfunction of Facial Nerves After Open Rigid Internal Fixation in the Treatment of Mandibular Condylar Process Fracture [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundFacial nerve palsy is a relatively common complication following open rigid internal fixation (ORIF) of a mandibular condylar fracture.
- Closing excerpt
- The safer approach, the retromandibular approach, should be considered when possible.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (212 words)
BackgroundFacial nerve palsy is a relatively common complication following open rigid internal fixation (ORIF) of a mandibular condylar fracture. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors that influence post-operative facial nerve function and the recovery process.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted based on the medical records of 329 patients who underwent ORIF treatment for condyle fractures, with the follow-up period being 24 months long.ResultsDuring the initial post-operative examination, 50.45% of patients exhibited some signs of facial nerve dysfunction, ranging from slight to severe, and 48.63% of patients presented transient palsy, while only 1.82% presented permanent facial nerve palsy. Female patients were found to be more susceptible to post-operative facial nerve palsy. Patients with multiple mandibular fractures and bilateral condyle fractures had a worse prognosis. The preauricular approach and its modifications were identified as posing the greatest risk to the facial nerve. The safest approach was the retromandibular approach. Patients treated for injuries resulting from traffic accidents or falls had a worse prognosis than those treated for assault injuries.ConclusionsPost-operative facial nerve palsy following ORIF of the mandibular condyle is, in most cases, transient and can be effectively treated. However, it is important to choose the safest possible surgical approach. The safer approach, the retromandibular approach, should be considered when possible.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 40843743 · DOI · PMC12372076
Assessing the Relationship Between the Eichner Index and Articular Eminence Inclination in Temporomandibular Dysfunction: A Cross-Sectional Study [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundThe articular eminence is essential for the proper functioning of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), guiding the movement of the mandibular condyle along its posterior slope.
- Closing excerpt
- To prevent morphological changes and potential future issues in the TMJ, it is essential to ensure proper dental care and maintain occlusal support for these patients.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (195 words)
BackgroundThe articular eminence is essential for the proper functioning of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), guiding the movement of the mandibular condyle along its posterior slope. Changes in the inclination of the articular eminence (AEI) can occur as a result of tooth loss or aging. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between the AEI and the Eichner Index.Materials and methodsThe study analyzed 162 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images from patients with TMJ dysfunction. These images were categorized into three groups (A, B, and C) according to the Eichner Index. The posterior surface of the AEI was measured using the top-roof line method. An ANOVA test was conducted to assess the relationship between the Eichner Index and AEI.ResultsA statistically significant relationship has been found between the AEI and the Eichner Index (p = 0.005). Class C had a significantly lower inclination than Classes A and B.ConclusionThis study revealed that tooth loss impacts the AEI, with patients who have more missing teeth exhibiting a significantly flatter AEI. To prevent morphological changes and potential future issues in the TMJ, it is essential to ensure proper dental care and maintain occlusal support for these patients.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41510694 · DOI · PMC12784290
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article A new classification for mandibular defects after oncological resection [5]
- Research article Mandible and Tongue Development [6]
- Research article A systematic review of studies comparing conventional complete denture and implant retained overdenture [7]
- Research article Meta-analysis of mandibular distraction osteogenesis: clinical applications and functional outcomes [8]
- Research article Vertical Ridge Augmentation in the Atrophic Mandible: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis [9]
- Research article Bone scintigraphy as a diagnostic method in unilateral hyperactivity of the mandibular condyles: a review and meta-analysis of the literature [10]
References
- Roccuzzo A, Imber JC, Stähli A, Romandini M, Sculean A, Salvi GE, et al.. Role of Keratinized Mucosa on the Risk of Peri-Implant Diseases and Soft Tissue Dehiscence in the Posterior Mandible-A 20-Year Prospective Cohort Study. . 2025. PMID 40689718 · DOI · PMC12881885
- Heins JI, Merema BBJ, Kraeima J, Witjes MJH, Krushynska AO. Mandibular Implants: A Metamaterial-Based Approach to Reducing Stress Shielding. . 2025. PMID 40183751 · DOI · PMC12083438
- Agier P, Kozakiewicz M, Tyszkiewicz S, Gabryelczak I. Risk of Permanent Dysfunction of Facial Nerves After Open Rigid Internal Fixation in the Treatment of Mandibular Condylar Process Fracture. . 2025. PMID 40843743 · DOI · PMC12372076
- Paknahad M, Haghighi L, Dokohaki S. Assessing the Relationship Between the Eichner Index and Articular Eminence Inclination in Temporomandibular Dysfunction: A Cross-Sectional Study. . 2026. PMID 41510694 · DOI · PMC12784290
- Brown JS, Barry C, Ho M, Shaw R. A new classification for mandibular defects after oncological resection. Lancet Oncol. 2016. PMID 26758757 · DOI
- Parada C, Chai Y. Mandible and Tongue Development. Curr Top Dev Biol. 2015. PMID 26589920 · DOI · PMC4869709
- Kutkut A, Bertoli E, Frazer R, Pinto-Sinai G, Fuentealba Hidalgo R, Studts J. A systematic review of studies comparing conventional complete denture and implant retained overdenture. J Prosthodont Res. 2018. PMID 28666845 · DOI
- Ow ATC, Cheung LK. Meta-analysis of mandibular distraction osteogenesis: clinical applications and functional outcomes. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2008. PMID 18317087 · DOI
- Elnayef B, Monje A, Gargallo-Albiol J, Galindo-Moreno P, Wang HL, Hernández-Alfaro F. Vertical Ridge Augmentation in the Atrophic Mandible: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2017. PMID 28291849 · DOI
- Saridin CP, Raijmakers PG, Tuinzing DB, Becking AG. Bone scintigraphy as a diagnostic method in unilateral hyperactivity of the mandibular condyles: a review and meta-analysis of the literature. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2011. PMID 20970961 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-31.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.