Osteosclerosis

Areas of increased bone density (osteosclerosis) are regularly found in radiographic examination of the jaws. They are particularly frequent in the mandible. The great majority of these areas are normal findings and do not require any treatment. Idiopathic osteosclerosis (two pictures in main window) is also occasionally seen around the roots of different teeth.

Inflammatory or other pathological processes may also be a cause of increased bone density. Long lasting, chronic pulpitis that gradually turns into apical periodontitis may stimulate the development of increased bone density around the apical foramen. However, in these cases osteolytic areas are usually also present.

Osteosclerosis / osteoslerotic type lesions are also seen in periapical cemental dysplasia as well as in certain tumours.