[Osteoporosis and oral biology]

Estrogen deficiency in post-menopausal osteoporosis not only causes decreased bone mass in mandibular bone, but also affect cartilaginous ossification in mandibular condyle. Although the mechanisms of action are not entirely clear, estrogen is thought to promote the programmed cell death of osteoclasts and hence reduce their period of activity. Treatment with estrogen or some agents prevent bone loss in alveolar bone through blocking production of cytokines in osteoblasts and promoting osteoclast apoptosis. It's necessary to address basic principles and current concepts in bone remodeling, mediators of bone resorption and their clinical relevance.