PANTOMOGRAPHY IN ASSESSMENT OF THE OSTEOPOROSIS RISK GROUP

The diagnostic efficacies of three panoramic-based indices were compar ed with classification of bone mineral density by dual-energy x-ray ab sorptiometry. The panoramic indices were 1) cortical bone height, 2) a n ordinal classification, and 3) the Panoramic Mandibular Index. The r esults indicate that panoramic dental radiographs should not be used t o assess the patient's status regarding osteoporosis, although the mea ns of the variables in different mineral density groups of skeleton ma y differ significantly