Evaluation of mandibular bone with radiographs in patients using bisphosphonates

Objective: Our study is aimed to evaluate the efficiancy of bisphosponate on bone metabolism, which has been used in recent years, in the treatment of most diseases related to bone metabolism (osteoporosis, bone metastatic breast, prostate and lung ca., bone cancer such as multiple myeloma), the effects of bisphosphonates on mandibular bone by considering the effects on bone metabolism comparing healthy individuals. Method: The sample consists of the panoramic radiographs which was taken for routine dental examination of 50 individuals using bisphosphonates and 50 healthy individuals who attended to Akdeniz University, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department between 2015 and 2016. In all individuals measured mandibular inferior cortical bone thickness (MICBT),mandibular cortical index (MCI), panoramic mandibular index (PMI), condyle angle (CA), gonial angle (GA), antegonial angle (AGA), antegonial depth (AGD) and antegonial index (AGI). Results: In bisphosphonate users, it was also found that the age affected on right and left mandibular inferior cortical bone thickness (MIBCT) and left panoramic mandibular index. Bilateral mandibular inferior cortical bone thickness (MIBCT), bilateral mandibular cortical index (MCI) and right condyle angle (CA) were affected by gender. Antegonial index (AGI) measurements were found to differ bilaterally in bisphosphonate users and in healthy patients. Conclusion: According to our results, bisphosphonates have various effects on the jawbone. However, there is a need for more extensive studies to evaluate the long-term effect of bisphosphonates on bone metabolism. Keywords: Bisphosphonates, Mandibula, Panoramic radiography