Painful neuropathy caused by compression of the inferior alveolar nerve by focal osteosclerotic lesion of the mandible: A case report

[Prevalence of idiopathic osteosclerosis in patients cared for at a radiological center in Ayacucho from 2016-2018]

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine, describe and identify the prevalence of radiopaque images compatible with idiopathic osteosclerosis in digital panoramic radiographs taken in patients between the ages of 18 and 50.

Materials and methods

The study design was descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective. The sample consisted of 500 digital panoramic radiographs taken between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018, in the target population aged between 18 and 50 years from Ayacucho - Peru, attended at a private radiological center. The radiographs obtained were analyzed using the Romexis viewer version 5.3 program, and the results were recorded on a data collection sheet. The Chi-square test was used to establish associations among the variables evaluated. A P <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

500 digital panoramic radiographs were analyzed, showing a prevalence of idiopathic osteosclerosis of 17.4%, of which 12% were female and 5.4% male, and according to age, the presence of idiopathic osteosclerosis was more prevalent in the second decade of life.

Conclusions

It is important to have a clear differential diagnostic criterion when distinguishing the different radiopacities such as idiopathic osteosclerosis, which can occur in the jaws, making a precise record of the morphometric characteristics and monitoring over time, taking into account their existence and implication in dental treatments.

Dense bone islands in pediatric patients: a case series study

Background

Dense Bone Islands (DBIs) are anatomic variants defined as radiopaque lesions consisting of hamartomatous cortical bone, often presenting as incidental radiographic findings. DBIs can also be known as idiopathic osteosclerosis, bone whorl, focal periapical osteopetrosis, bone scar and enostosis. We found a paucity of literature for management and reporting of this condition in children. For this reason, the authors describe sixteen cases of children and adolescents with dense bony islands and suggest a pathway for management.

Case series

Cases presented to the RNENT and Eastman Dental Hospital or private practice, either as chance findings or for diagnosis and treatment planning of undiagnosed radiopaque areas. The individuals were aged between 10 and 17 years; 6 boys and 10 girls. All radiographic reports described DBIs. Diagnoses were confirmed by a Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology Consultant and advised no intervention. In some cases, monitoring was advised. Caution in orthodontic tooth movement was advised for five patients.

Conclusion

DBIs are common findings that seldom require treatment; however, caution should be exercised when undertaking orthodontic movement in the area of a DBI due to a potential risk of root resorption. Accurate identification and multidisciplinary management are of utmost importance.

An updated review of idiopathic osteosclerosis of the jaws

Objective

: The aim of this study was to update the concepts of the diagnosis of idiopathic osteosclerosis (IO) of the jaws by digital panoramic radiographs and cone beam tomography and describe the impact of this disease on oral and general health.

Methods

A search of the main databases of dental medical research was carried out using the search terms "osteosclerosis, panoramic radiography, cone beam computed tomography, jaws". Articles without language restriction until September 30, 2020 were identified. The prevalence and clinical and radiographic characteristics of IO of the jaws were examined in 2D and 3D imaging studies, as well as the interaction during treatments in the various dental specialties.

Results

We analyzed the current situation regarding the diagnosis of IO, with an update of the diagnostic criteria used to accurately identify IO in the latest generation imaging studies, as well determine its possible interactions in oral an general health.

Conclusions

It is important to have a clear differential diagnosis of IO and be able to distinguish different radiopacities in the maxilla. Accurate reporting and monitoring of the morphometric characteristics are necessary taking into account the impact the presence of IO of the jaws has on future dental treatments.