Videodensitometrical study of the alveolar bone crest in periodontal disease

The relative mineral content per unit volume of bone in the alveolar bone crest was determined in 81 bone crests from 25 human autopsy cases by means of contact microradiography and videodensitometry of 100 microns thick sections. Each bone crest was divided in 4 areas: crestal, mesial, distal, and trabecular; and the relative mineral content was determined for each area. The data were analyzed statistically and it was found that the crestal area had a significantly lower mineral content than the other 3 areas. Histologically, the crestal area had a reduced number of Sharpey's fibers and it was speculated that these features lower the probability of restoring the natural crestal shape and the fiber reattachment, increasing the risk of bone loss. No correlation was found between relative mineral content and age or extent of inflammatory infiltration of the periodontal tissues.