Authors

1 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sathyabama Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

2 Department of Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, The KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, KLE V.K. Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Belgaum, Karnataka, India

3 Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, SJM Dental College and Hospital, Chitradurga, Karnataka, India

4 Department of Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, Nitte (Deemed to be university), AB, Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka, India

5 Department of Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, Jaipur Dental College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

6 Division of Periodontology, Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

7 Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Saraswati Dhanwantari Dental College and Hospital and Post‑Graduate Research Institute, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a specific condition which is characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and
deterioration of bone structure resulting in an increased susceptibility to fractures. It contributes to a
great deal of morbidity and mortality, and is a large burden to the healthcare system, especially in the
case of the elderly population. In the last four decades, a plethora of studies have reported characteristic
oral radiographic findings in the early stages of osteoporosis, suggesting the possible use of oral
radiographic signs for the early detection of the condition. Digital orthopantomographs (OPGs) are
usually taken for the screening of dental patients during routine dental evaluations. These radiographs
and the characteristic changes seen on them may have a significant role in the screening for initial
osteoporotic changes. A number of precise radiomorphometric indices of the mandible have also
been developed to allow quantification of the mandibular bone mass for identification of the initial
signs of osteoporosis. The present review focuses on the possible role of panoramic radiographs in
the initial screening for osteoporosis in dental clinics in high‑risk groups.

Keywords

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