Panoramic mandibular index and bone mineral densities in postmenopausal women.

The panoramic mandibular index was used in a group of postmenopausal women to determine whether it correlates with bone mineral densities of the femoral neck, lumbar area, and the trabecular and cortical parts of the mandible. The bone mineral density values were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry of the femoral neck and lumbar area and by quantitative computed tomography of the mandible. Linear correlation of the panoramic mandibular index with all bone mineral density values was weak. However, the low and high index subgroup means were clearly dependent on the bone mineral density variables.