[Changes in the radiographic picture of various locations of the mandible, after long-term use of oral contraceptives].

Abstract

The vast use of oral contraceptives by a large percentage of women, in our days, has caused increased interest as regards the side effects that these "pills" might have. The purpose of this article was firstly, to review the mechanism of action of the estrogens contained in the contraceptive pills and to emphasize the possibilities that longterm use of these drugs may have in producing changes in the bones of the jaws. Subsequently, the authors describe the results of observations made in periapical X-rays taken for this matter at the Dental School of Tufts University. Finally, certain cases coming from the Oral Diagnosis Clinic of Athens University and from the Dental School of Tufts University, and showing characteristic radiographic findings in different locations of the mandible are presented.