condensing osteitis

Patients are typically asymptomatic, and the condition is most often detected incidentally during routine radiographic examinations. In rare symptomatic cases, patients may report mild pain.{{cn|date=June 2025}}

The cause of condensing osteitis is not clear, but it is thought to happen due to irritation or inflammation that increases osteoblastic activity.{{cn|date=June 2025}}

Chronic pulpitis is one of the main factors. This is when bacteria enters the pulp of the tooth, often from untreated cavities. This leads to ongoing mild inflammation that causes bone growth near the root of the tooth.{{Cite journal |last1=Rechenberg |first1=Dan-Krister |last2=Galicia |first2=Johnah C. |last3=Peters |first3=Ove A. |date=2016-11-29 |editor-last=Kerkis |editor-first=Irina |title=Biological Markers for Pulpal Inflammation: A Systematic Review |journal=PLoS One |language=en |volume=11 |issue=11 |pages=e0167289 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0167289 |issn=1932-6203 |pmc=5127562 |pmid=27898727 |doi-access=free|bibcode=2016PLoSO..1167289R }} Another main factor is periapical infections. These infections start at the tip of the tooth root, often from dead pulp tissue or occlusal trauma.{{Citation |last1=Neville |first1=Brad W. |title=3 - Pulp and Periapical Disease |date=2019-01-01 |work=Color Atlas of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases |pages=79–92 |editor-last=Neville |editor-first=Brad W. |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780323552257000038 |access-date=2024-11-06 |place=Philadelphia |publisher=Elsevier |doi=10.1016/b978-0-323-55225-7.00003-8 |isbn=978-0-323-55225-7 |last2=Damm |first2=Douglas D. |last3=Allen |first3=Carl M. |last4=Chi |first4=Angela C. |editor2-last=Damm |editor2-first=Douglas D. |editor3-last=Allen |editor3-first=Carl M. |editor4-last=Chi |editor4-first=Angela C.|url-access=subscription }}

Condensing osteitis happens when the bone around the tooth reacts to long-term inflammation. This involves excessive bone growth, leading to the formation of sclerotic bone in the jaw.

Ongoing tooth infections, like pulpitis, release chemicals that attract immune cells and activate osteoblasts. Osteoblasts create extra bone in response to inflammation, making the area look more sclerotic. Unlike typical infections, condensing osteitis doesn't destroy bone or produce pus it just adds more bone to the affected area.

Diagnosis typically involves a clinical examination by a dentist or endodontist, complemented by imaging studies such as cone-beam computed tomography. Radiographically, condensing osteitis presents as a localized radiopaque lesion at the root apex of the affected tooth.{{Cite journal |last1=Silva |first1=Brunno Santos Freitas |last2=Bueno |first2=Mike Reis |last3=Yamamoto-Silva |first3=Fernanda P. |last4=Gomez |first4=Ricardo Santiago |last5=Peters |first5=Ove Andreas |last6=Estrela |first6=Carlos |date=2017-07-03 |title=Differential diagnosis and clinical management of periapical radiopaque/hyperdense jaw lesions |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28678971/ |journal=Brazilian Oral Research |volume=31 |pages=e52 |doi=10.1590/1807-3107BOR-2017.vol31.0052 |issn=1807-3107 |pmid=28678971|doi-access=free }}

File:Root canal rvg.jpg

Condensing osteitis is usually benign and asymptomatic. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity. Endodontic treatment is the primary intervention in cases of pulpal infection. Other treatment options include Antibiotics that are prescribed for associated bacterial infections and tooth Extraction: Reserved for cases where the tooth is irreversibly damaged due to pulpitis.{{Cite web |title=Condensing osteitis |url=https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/mandiblemaxillacondensingosteitis.html |access-date=2024-11-06 |website=www.pathologyoutlines.com}}

The prognosis is excellent. Following root canal therapy, the sclerotic bone often remodels, restoring normal bone structure over time.{{Cite journal |last1=Eliasson |first1=Sören |last2=Halvarsson |first2=Curt |last3=Ljungheimer |first3=Claes |date=1984-02-01 |title=Periapical condensing osteitis and endodontic treatment |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0030422084902111 |journal=Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology |volume=57 |issue=2 |pages=195–199 |doi=10.1016/0030-4220(84)90211-1 |pmid=6583626 |issn=0030-4220|url-access=subscription }}{{Cite book |last1=Diana |first1=Rasda |last2=Widyastuti |first2=Andina |last3=Santosa |first3=Pribadi |title=Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Sustainable Innovation 2020–Health Science and Nursing (ICoSIHSN 2020) |chapter=One-Visit Apexification in Management of Gutta Percha Extrusion and Condensing Osteitis: 4 Years Follow-Up |date=2021-01-16 |volume=33 |url=https://www.atlantis-press.com/proceedings/icosihsn-20/125951152 |language=en |publisher=[Atlantis Press |pages=161–166 |doi=10.2991/ahsr.k.210115.034 |isbn=978-94-6239-315-8|doi-access=free }}

This affects 4-7% of the human population. It mainly occurs during early adolescence/young adults but can occur at any age and in any gender.{{Cite journal |last1=Yeh |first1=Hsiao-Wen |last2=Chen |first2=Ching-Yang |last3=Chen |first3=Pei-Hsuan |last4=Chiang |first4=Meng-Ta |last5=Chiu |first5=Kuo-Chou |last6=Chung |first6=Ming-Pang |last7=Li |first7=Tsung-I |last8=Su |first8=Chi-Chun |last9=Shieh |first9=Yi-Shing |date=2015-09-01 |title=Frequency and distribution of mandibular condensing osteitis lesions in a Taiwanese population |journal=Journal of Dental Sciences |volume=10 |issue=3 |pages=291–295 |doi=10.1016/j.jds.2014.10.002 |issn=1991-7902|doi-access=free }}

Recent research has focused on the prevalence and management of condensing osteitis and thus has pointed out the need for further investigation into its pathophysiology and treatment. For instance, studies on the frequency and distribution of mandibular condensing osteitis in specific populations, such as the Taiwanese population, have provided useful epidemiological data. These studies indicate that prevalence may be related to cultural, dietary, or even genetic factors, thus constituting a background for conducting research in different population groups.

Case reports, such as the documentation of a female patient aged 35 years with condensing osteitis, further support that there is variability in clinical presentation and outcome. These cases serve to further the understanding not only of the condition itself but also the deficits in both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, underlining the need for individual treatment strategies, as well as follow-up over a long period of time regarding changes in bone after intervention.{{Cite web |last=Tsvetanov |first=Tsvetan |title=Mandibular Idiopathic Osteosclerosis or Condensing Osteitis. A Case Report |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347922336 |website=ResearchGate}}

Future studies may be directed at the molecular mechanisms of osteoblastic activity and bone sclerotization in response to chronic inflammation. Identifying specific inflammatory or genetic markers may lead to earlier diagnosis and targeted therapies. Clinical practices may also be greatly improved by investigating the place of advanced imaging technologies, such as cone-beam computed tomography, in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and monitoring treatment outcomes.

Condensing osteitis will be more clearly understood when epidemiological data is combined with clinical case studies and molecular research to enhance patient care and outcomes by both dental and medical specialties.

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Category:Inflammations

Category:Osteitis

Category:Pathology of the maxilla and mandible