title: Detecting low bone mineral density from dental radiographs: a mini-review.
abstract: Over a number of years researchers have reported associations between osteoporosis or low bone mineral density and signs that can be detected on dental radiographs, particularly in the width of the inferior mandibular cortex and the texture of the trabecular bone. As patients visit the dentist more regularly than they visit their doctor, there is the possibility that such signs could be used as a means of identifying individuals at risk of developing osteoporosis or suffering from consequent fracture. This paper reviews the historical background behind this research and the current status, including recent developments in automation of measurement using computer image analysis.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Imaging Science, Institute of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Human Sciences, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Graham
keywords: Bone Mineral Density; Computer Image Analysis; dental radiographs; osteoporosis