Alveolar process fractal dimension and postcranial bone density.

OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to determine whether the radiographic fractal dimension of the maxillary and mandibular alveolar processes is related to bone density of the alveolar processes, spine, hip, and radius in healthy women. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-seven dentate healthy white women aged 20 to 78 years underwent assessment of systemic and alveolar process bone. After a periodontal examination, D-speed vertical bite-wing and periapical radiographs with aluminum step wedges and a density correction algorithm were used to make alveolar process fractal dimension and density calculations within regions of interest that avoided crestal bone and intrabony defects. Anteroposterior (L1-L4) and lateral (L2-L4) lumbar spine, total hip, and total wrist densities were determined by means of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between maxillary alveolar process fractal dimension and maxillary alveolar process density (r = 0.47, P < or =.01), mandibular alveolar process density (r = 0.48, P < or =.01), and mandibular alveolar process fractal dimension (r = 0.44, P < or =.05); and between mandibular alveolar process fractal dimension and maxillary alveolar process density (r = 0.54, P < or =.01) and mandibular alveolar process density (r = 0.58, P < or =.001). No significant relationships were found between the maxillary alveolar process or the mandibular alveolar process fractal dimension and the density of any postcranial regions. CONCLUSIONS: In healthy women, the alveolar process radiographic fractal dimension is significantly related to the alveolar process density but is not related to the density of the spine, hip, or radius.