Mandibular bone density and fractal dimension in rabbits with induced osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal in this investigation was to examine the mandibular bone density and radiographic textural changes and the relationship between mandibular and spinal bone mineral density in an osteoporotic rabbit model. STUDY DESIGN: Three adult female New Zealand white rabbits in each of 4 groups received daily injections of cortisone acetate at a dosage of 0.0 (control), 3.0, 7.5, or 15.0 mg/kg for 4 weeks. The rabbits were then killed, and the mandible and spine of each animal were removed. Digital radiographs (70 kVp, 10 mA, 8 impulses) of the hemimandibles and spines were made. Lateral and anteroposterior bone densities of the lumbar spine (L2) were calculated, and average mandibular interdental bone density, fractal dimension, and gradient values were calculated. RESULTS: Correlation analysis revealed that cumulative steroid dose was strongly related to mandibular bone density (r = -0.80, P <.01), moderately related to mandibular fractal dimension (r = -0.61, P <. 05), and moderately related to anteroposterior lumbar spine density (r = -0.64, P <.05). Moderate correlations were found between mandibular interdental bone density and spinal density (r = 0.56, P <.05), but mandibular fractal dimension was not related to spinal density. CONCLUSIONS: In osteoporotic female rabbits, mandibular bone mineral density decreases in relation to spinal density and cumulative steroid dose. Mandibular fractal dimension decreases with cumulative steroid dose but is not significantly related to either mandibular density or spinal density.

Intrusion anchorage potential of teeth versus rigid endosseous implants: a clinical and radiographic evaluation.

The purpose of this study was to compare the intrusion anchorage potential of teeth to osseointegrated titanium implants. Titanium implants were surgically placed unilaterally in a healed mandibular fourth premolar extraction site in eight adult mongrel dogs. The implants were surgically uncovered 3 months later and second stage abutments with soldered edgewise brackets secured. Edgewise brackets were also placed on the ipsilateral third premolars and on the contralateral third and fourth premolars. Segmental edgewise arch wires were placed between the implant and the third premolar and between the contralateral third and fourth premolars. Intrusion arch wire bends (v-bends) just mesial to the implant and the fourth premolar brackets were adjusted to apply a 50 to 60 gm intrusive force to the third premolars, bilaterally. Seven weeks later this force was increased to approximately 100 gm. Force levels were monitored biweekly for a total period of 16 weeks. Superimposition of initial and final periapical radiographs with bone markers demonstrated that for each dog the implant remained immobile and the third premolar on the implant anchor side was intruded in a curved path. On the contralateral side of the arch the dental anchor (fourth premolar) underwent an adverse reactive tip-back movement, and the third premolar was not intruded. We conclude that rigid endosseous implants are superior to dental anchorage for orthodontic intrusion of teeth and offer a potential means to intrude anterior teeth in adult patients with missing posterior teeth.