Osteoporosis: Dental implications

Abstract

A dramatic rise in osteoporotic fractures is expected due to increase in the aging population worldwide. Prevention and early detection is the solution to this growing 'silent disease'. Osteoporosis affects the maxillofacial structures and may be detected by various techniques, including DXA, CT, etc. Interestingly, changes due to osteoporosis may also be detected on routine dental and panoramic radiographs. The relationship between osteoporosis and oral health and the effects of therapeutics used in the management of osteoporosis on the oral structures are some intriguing problems to the dentist. The future might witness an increasing role of dental professional in identification, prevention and management of patients with osteoporosis.