title: Comparison of the mandibular bone densitometry measurement between normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic postmenopausal women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was conducted to compare the mandibular bone density between postmenopausal women with normal skeletal bone mass density (BMD) and those with low skeletal BMD using digital panoramic radiographs.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred fifteen postmenopausal women were divided into normal and osteoporotic/osteopenic groups. Digital panoramic radiographs were prepared using Digora PCT Sorodex equipment and Promax panoramic X-ray unit (Planmeca, Helsinki, Finland, Kvp=68 and mA=9). The mandibular bone density of an area (approximately 4×4 mm), exactly near the distal edge of the right mental foramen was determined in digital panoramic radiographs using Digora for Windows (DfW) Software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no statistically significant difference in mandibular bone density between the normal and osteoporotic/osteopenic participants (P >0.05). Mandibular bone density was not statistically different in normal and osteoporotic individuals with SBMD or FBMD T-score -2.5 (P >0.05). Density of the region of interest differed significantly between the normal and the osteoporotic group with SBMD and FBMD T-score -2.5 (P <0.05). The same results also gained in women who were osteoporotic only in the femoral region (P <0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mandibular bone density in subjects with low BMD was related to FBMD. So, digital panoramic radiographs could be beneficial in the diagnosis of postmenopausal women who are at risk of osteoporosis.
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Leila
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Khojastehpour
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Student of Prosthodontics, Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mogharrabi
authors.affiliation: Professor, Endocrine and metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammad Hossein
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Dabbaghmanesh
authors.affiliation: Dentist, Member of Student Research Committee, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Nariman
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Iraji Nasrabadi
keywords: Postmenopause women; Osteopenia; Osteoporosis; Panoramic Radiograph; Digital; Mandible; Density