Condensing osteitis | |
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Other names | focal sclerosing osteomyelitis |
Cone beam CT scan presenting a diffuse hyperdense lesion in the apex of a mandibular molar (arrowhead, top) adjacent to an inflammatory periapical lesion (arrow, bottom).[1] | |
Specialty | Dentistry |
Condensing osteitis is a periapical inflammatory disease that results from a reaction to a dental related infection. This causes more bone production rather than bone destruction in the area, most commonly near the root apices of premolars and molars. The lesion appears as a radiopacity in the periapical area hence the sclerotic reaction. The sclerotic reaction results from good patient immunity and a low degree of virulence of the offending bacteria. The associated tooth may be carious or contains a large restoration, and is usually associated with a non-vital tooth. It was described by Dr. Carl Garré in 1893.