The use of diagnostic
imaging in dental patients can help predict which patients have a higher risk of developing fractures.
New research from the Sahlgrenska Academy found that the bone structure of
the lower jaw was associated with a person's vulnerability to the breaks.
"We've seen that sparse bone structure in the lower jaw in mid-life is
directly linked to the risk of fractures in other parts of the body, later in
life," stated Lauren Lissner, a researcher at the Institute of Medicine at
the Sahlgrenska Academy.
Scientists analysed medical records from the Prospective Population Study of
Women in Gothenburg, which began in 1968, and observed that the structure was
less dense in 20 per cent of patients and these were the individuals who had
the highest risk.
Although the data was collected from women, doctors believe the same
associations will be displayed in men.
According to Colgate, many patients require dental X-rays every six
months.
© Adfero Ltd
Private dentistry news: 10 December 2011
