Detecting Patients with Low Bone Mineral Density during Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Population aging is a worldwide phenomenon that is often explained by improvements in living conditions. Common diseases in the older age group are investigated to improve their prevention and treatment. Osteoporosis, a silent disease characterized by the progressive decrease of bone mineral density, resulting in an increased risk of fractures, is one of the most common diseases that affect patients over 60 years of age. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of low bone mineral density. However, this test has a high cost and is not available to all populations. Previous studies have found that dental imaging can be used to identify low bone mineral density. Dental imaging examinations have lower costs and are more routine than DXA. Qualitative and quantitative radiomorphometric indices as well as mathematical methods are used to identify patients with low bone mineral density through dental imaging exams. In addition, the morphology of the mandibular bone cortex is the most studied panoramic radiography exam. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a three-dimensional examination that produces high-quality images without distortion and magnification. This examination is widely used in dentistry and can be used for the evaluation of bone mineral density. However, CBCT is a low-cost examination, compared to DXA.