Osteoporosis: Current state and need for screening with the help of oral health physicians

Abstract

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and deterioration of bone structure resulting in an increased susceptibility to fractures of the hip, spine and wrist. Osteoporosis contributes to a great deal of morbidity and mortality and is a large burden to the health service. In the last four decades, numerous research teams have reported oral radiographic findings associated with osteoporosis. Digital orthopantomographs (OPGs), taken for routine dental evaluations, have a significant role in screening for initial osteoporotic changes. A number of mandibular cortical indices (MCIs) have, also, been developed to allow quantification of mandibular bone mass and identification of osteoporosis. Klemetti Index (KI), mental index (MI), panoramic mandibular index (PMI), antegonial index (AI) and gonial index (GI) are, all, associated with a low bone mineral density (BMD) and of help in the initial screening of osteoporosis.

Keywords

• Digital orthopantomographs
• mandibular cortical indices
• osteoporosis