THE ROLE OF DENTAL RADIOGRAPHS IN QUANTIFYING MAXILLARY BONE CHANGES GENERATED BY OSTEOPOROSIS

Abstract

The silent nature of osteoporosis makes it difficult to diagnose. Therefore, all healthcare professionals should participate in the identification of patients suffering from this disease. Dental x-rays can be considered a minimally invasive and convenient method in identifying osteoporosis. The repercussions of osteopenia / osteoporosis on the periodontium appear to be proven. Periodontal parameters (clinical loss of attachment, probing depth, gingival index, and bleeding on probing) show signs of greater tissue degradation. The relationship between periodontal disease and osteoporosis appears to be linked by the risk factors they share and by the mechanism of bone loss. The inflammatory nature of these two pathologies has been demonstrated, which could highlight a pathogenic link between them. The literature does not currently suggest any specific conduct or protocol in assessing the risk of low bone density and in the management of these patients. But osteopenic / osteeporotic patients require special attention and medical dental care.

Keywords

• dental x-ray
• alveolar bone
• osteoporosis