Comparison of Jaw Bone Density in Young Adults and Postmenopausal Women

Kim, Tae Sung; Lee, Dong Keun; Lee, Byung Do; Jung, Sun Kwan

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To compare jaw bone density of young adults (control group) and post-menopausal women (experimental group) in periapical and panoramic film.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The bone mineral density values of lumbar and femur were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry(DEXA) and T scores of lumbar were obtained. T scores were classified into 3 group (T<-2.5, -2.5 T<-1, -1 T). Radiographic densities of alveolar bones were measured from interdental bones of premolar, molar areas in the maxilla and mandible and expressed into copper step wedge thickness by Scion Image program. We considered these values of step wedge thickness as bone density of alveolar bone. Panorama mandibular index(PMI) was calculated by the method that the height of the inferior cortex of the mandible was divided by the height from the lower border of the mandible to the superior edge of the mental foramen. Bone density of alveolar bone and PMI were analysed statistically.
RESULTS
There were significant differences in bone mineral density of lumbar and femoral neck between control and experimental groups. There were also significant differences in bone density of premolar and molar area of jaw between control and experimental groups by MANOVA test. When considered lumbar T variables, there was only difference in interdental bone density of maxillary molar area between control and experimental group, but there was interaction. Interdental bone density of experimental group was appeared higher in -1 T group and lower in T<-2.5 group than control group. There was significant difference in PMI between control and experimental group, but there was also interaction, thus, PMI of experimental group was appeared higher in -1 T group and lower in T<-2.5 group than control group.
CONCLUSION
There were significant differences of alveolar density and cortical bone thickness between young men and post-menopausal women in periapical and panoramic film. These differences were dependent on lumbar T.