[Possible methods for evaluating bone density in the maxillofacial region].

Bone densitometry is a commonly used procedure in general medicine to measure the mineral content of the bone. The method helps in establishing an early diagnosis of metabolic diseases of the bone (especially osteoporosis), which decreases the incidence of pathological fractures in a high degree. Recent studies have shown that significant correlation can be found between the optical densitometric evaluations of the jaws and the densitometric figures of other bones of the skeleton (spine, hip). These results point out the possible role of the dentist in the early diagnosis of osteoporosis. The recent methods in general medicine are based on the measurement of photon and x-ray absorption followed by computerized analysis (single photon absorptiometry, single energy x-ray absorptiometry, dual photon absorptiometry, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry). Besides the previously mentioned techniques ultrasound attenuation detection (quantitative ultrasound) and computed tomographic approaches are also widely spread. Methods utilizing the developed panoramic x-ray films are also being used for densitometric evaluations. The results given by these measurements seem to be promising as a unique detection of the early signs of osteoporosis.