[Focal osteosclerotic lesions of the jaws--a review focusing on diagnostic and therpeutic aspects].

Abstract

The diagnosis of osteosclerotic lesions is sometimes quite challenging for the general dental practitioner. When having no clear reason for a sclerotic process in the jaw bone, the dentist is often left without a definite diagnosis and treatment plan. Additionally, the literature often mixes terms for sclerotic bone lesions in the mandible or maxilla, causing further confusion about classification, therapy and prognosis of these entities. Although osteosclerotic jaw lesions can arise in every decade of life, they often are encountered by chance on routine radiographic examinations. For further diagnosis these lesions are even referred for invasive procedures such as bone biopsies. Nevertheless, accurate knowledge about the pathogenesis, radiographic and clinical appearance of these lesions could already lead to a diagnosis without the need for further biopsies. The present review focuses on the focal osteosclerosis of the jaws, discussing diagnosis, treatment and important differential diagnoses.