ABSTRACT
Osteoporosis is an asymptomatic disease until it causes fracture. One of the most effective methods for its diagnosis is DEXA test. This test shows BMD and T-Score for selective parts. Osteoporosis also causes some alterations in jaws that are observed by dental practitioners. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of MCW [Mandibular Cortical Width] with BMD and T-Score. In this analytic cross-sectional study 51 post-menopausal women who had undergone DEXA test from lumbar spine [L2-L4] and panoramic radiography were selected. The subjects were divided into 3 groups according to T-Score and WHO criteria: 1] Normal; 2] Osteopenic; 3] Osteoporotic. MCW was measured at mental foramen area on the panoramic radiographs and analyzed in relation to BMD and T-Score using ANOVA, Scheffe, Pearson's correlation and regression tests. The mean mandibular cortical widths in the normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic groups were 4.8 mm, 3.8 mm and 2.7 mm, respectively. Pearson's correlation coefficients between BMD and MCW, and T-Score and MCW were 0.896 and 0.903, respectively. Regression between BMD, T-Score and MCW was significant [p value < 0.001]. MCW mean differences between normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic women were significant [p value < 0.001]. MCW had a high correlation with BMD and T-Score [about 0.9]. Based on the results of this study, dental practitioners might be the first person to suspect osteoporosis in post-menopausal women from panoramic radiographs and refer them to specialists