Systemic non-malignant osteoporosis and reduction of edentulous alveolar ridges

Abstract

Introduction. Systemic osteoporosis damages skeletal bones to different degrees. The aim of this study was to determine the intensity and correlation of the osteoporotic changes in the bone density of the skeleton and body mass index (BMI) with a reduction in edentulous mandibles, and to assess possibility of reparation of layers of mandibles with increase of mineral content in jaws of patients affected by osteoporosis. Material and Methods. In this study, 99 edentulous patients with decreased bone density comprised the experimental group, and 48 edentulous patients with normal bone densities formed the control. The age of the examined patients was 69.02 ± 7,9, range 53-74 of females and 69.11 ± 7.1, range 59-76 years. Radiographs of the hands and panoramic radiographs were done for all the patients. The values of BMI, metacarpal index, density of lumbar spine (L2-L4), in the phalanx and in segments of the mandibles as well as the edentulous alveolar ridges heights were measured, assessed and calculated. Results. The lowest value of the total skeletal density was established in the osteoporotic patients on the basis of the average T-score of- 2.5 in men, and - 2.6 in women. Minimum values of the edentulous ridges heights (right/left, in mm) were measured in both osteoporotic females (21.84/22.39) and males 24.90/24.96) patients. By comparison of the densities of the metacarpal bones, proximal phalanx, segments of the edentulous mandibles and based on the numerical values of the edentulous ridges heights, x2 = 3.81 was found in men and x2 = 4.03 was found in women with normal bone densities; x2 = 5.92 was found in men and x2 = 6.25 was found in women with osteopenia; x2 = 2.63 was found in men and x2 = 3.85 was found in women with osteoporosis, on the level of probability of 0.05. After application of calcium and calcitonin in solutions, moderate increment of density (p < 0.05; p < 0.01) was verified, compensating up to 4% of total loss of mass, minerals and solidity of denture bearing areas of osteoporotic mandibles. Conclusion. Systemic osteoporosis leads to decrease of densities of bones of mandibles and causes reduction of edentulous ridges.