Is there a relation between local bone quality as assessed on panoramic radiographs and alveolar bone level?

Clin Oral Investig. 2008 Mar;12(1):31-5. doi: 10.1007/s00784-007-0139-7. Epub 2007 Aug 10.

Abstract

The aim was to explore the relation between radiographic bone quality on panoramic radiographs and relative alveolar bone level. Digital panoramic radiographs of 94 female patients were analysed (mean age, 44.5; range, 35-74). Radiographic density of the alveolar bone in the premolar region was determined using Agfa Musica software. Alveolar bone level and bone quality index (BQI) were also assessed. Relationships between bone density and BQI on one hand and the relative loss of alveolar bone level on the other were assessed. Mandibular bone density and loss of alveolar bone level were weakly but significantly negatively correlated for the lower premolar area (r = -.27). The BQI did not show a statistically significant relation to alveolar bone level. Radiographic mandibular bone density on panoramic radiographs shows a weak but significant relation to alveolar bone level, with more periodontal breakdown for less dense alveolar bone.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alveolar Bone Loss / diagnostic imaging
  • Alveolar Process / diagnostic imaging*
  • Alveolar Process / pathology
  • Bicuspid / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Density / physiology*
  • Dental Arch / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mandible / diagnostic imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Periodontal Ligament / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement / methods
  • Radiography, Panoramic / methods*
  • Tooth Apex / diagnostic imaging
  • Tooth Cervix / diagnostic imaging