Evaluation of Bone Changes Using Radiomorphometric Indices and Fractal Analysis on Dental Panoramic Radiographs in Hypothyroid and Hyperthyroid Patients

Background Thyroid hormones play a critical role in skeletal growth, development, and the maintenance of bone mass and strength. Thyroid hormones may influence bone calcium metabolism by directly stimulating osteoblasts or osteoclasts. In dentistry, accurately determining bone mineral density plays a crucial role in establishing a diagnosis, informing treatment strategies, and ensuring a positive outcome of dental procedures. This study aimed to determine whether values obtained from FDA and radiomorphometric indices measured on panoramic radiographs can distinguish changes in trabecular bone in individuals with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Methods Hyperthyroid and hypothyroid patients over the age of 18 with a registered panoramic radiograph in the system were included in the study. The control group was selected from healthy individuals. The study was conducted based on a total of 180 panoramic radiographs. PI, MCI, MI, and FA values of the groups were evaluated from the panoramic radiographs. Result Analysis of the MCI data from 180 participants revealed that all individuals classified in the C3 category were patients with hyperthyroidism. Furthermore, PI, MI, and FA measurements were statistically significantly lower in the hyperthyroid group compared to both the hypothyroid and control groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions The study results showed that the hyperthyroid group had significantly lower MI and PMI values compared to the hypothyroid and control groups, and also exhibited lower condyle, angulus, and premolar FA values than the other groups.