Researchers from Japan studied more than 300 women who had no symptoms of
osteoporosis. About half of the women had a history of hysterectomy,
oophorectomy, and/or estrogen use. The other half had no such history. X-rays
were used to measure the cortical shape and width of the women’s jaws. Women
with eroded cortical shape need further bone mineral density testing, the study
authors concluded.
They say, “Because dental panoramic X-rays are taken for the diagnosis of
conditions affecting the teeth and jaws in clinical practice worldwide, the
dentist could also look at the mandibular cortical shape and width and refer the
appropriate women for further BMD testing.”
Researchers found the X-rays were just as sensitive as the widely used
questionnaires in determining which women needed to have further BMD testing.
However, dental X-rays are less specific than questionnaires, meaning they can
indicate disease when there isn’t any or not indicate disease when it does
exist. But researchers say questionnaire response rates can be low. Researchers
conclude X-rays are a good first step in determining which women need additional
testing because so many people will have them done anyway.
SOURCE: American Journal of Roentgenology, 2004;183:1755-1760
