Loss of lamina dura is commonly found in which of the following disorders?

The loss of lamina dura is a notable radiographic finding typically associated with hyperparathyroidism. In this disorder, the parathyroid hormone (PTH) is overproduced, leading to an increased release of calcium from bones into the bloodstream. This process can result in osteoclastic activity, where the bone is resorbed, leading to the thinning or complete loss of the lamina dura, which is the thin layer of dense bone that surrounds the tooth sockets.

In hyperparathyroidism, the resorption of bone occurs not only in the jaw but throughout the skeleton, but it is particularly evident in the alveolar bone surrounding teeth. The diagnostic imaging may show a characteristic "ground glass" appearance of the bones and a radiolucent area where the lamina dura is lost, making it a key indicator for clinicians assessing patients with this endocrine disorder.

The other options do not typically present with lamina dura loss. Chronic bronchitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and atherosclerosis involve different pathophysiological processes and do not directly affect the bone surrounding the teeth in the same way that hyperparathyroidism does, thus not leading to the same radiographic findings. Understanding this characteristic is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management in dental and