Identification of the risk for osteoporosis in dental patients.

This article describes how dentists can recognize osteoporosis before fractures develop, and discusses whether osteoporosis affects tooth loss or inhibits implant osseointegration. Some success in diagnosing osteoporosis has been obtained using clinical questionnaires that attempt to identify those who have strong risk factors for the disease, and analysis of the sparse trabeculation and thinning of the mandibular cortex often seen in dental panoramic radiographs. The role of osteoporosis in periodontal disease is unclear as there are many conflicting reports, but the evidence suggests that tooth loss may be more prevalent in patients with osteoporosis.