Radiomorphometric Indices in Edentulous Patients: Literature Review

For successful replacement of tooth or teeth, the evaluation of bone status is mandatory. Panoramic radiography is a readily available diagnostic modality in many dental offices and provides broad anatomical coverage of the maxillofacial region and thus is often used as an initial screening tool for patients. Although these indices are regarded as an ancillary method used for the diagnosis of osteoporosis, they should be included as a routine procedure in dental examinations, to identify patients with undetected low BMD.In conclusion, low radio morphometric indices studied on panoramic radiographs can be used as important criteria for further assessment of bone mineral density.