Idiopathic Osteosclerosis in Orthodontic Patients: A Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Idiopathic osteosclerosis (IO) is described as a localized radiopacity of unknown etiology. Also known as dense bone islands, enostoses, bone scar, or focal periapical osteopetrosis, it is generally clinically asymptomatic and appears round, elliptical, or irregular in shape on a radiograph. The internal structure is usually homogenous. It should be distinguished from condensing osteitis and other alveolar bone-related radiopacities. This condition may cause changes in tooth position or interfere with orthodontic treatment. Two cases of IO involving the maxilla and mandible are highlighted. Both patients were females and presented with complaints of malocclusion and desired orthodontic correction. One case was detected incidentally on routine radiographic examination of the patient. In contrast, the other case presented as an expansile lesion lingual to the left mandibular first molar and second premolar. Radiographically, both lesions appeared as well-defined radiopaque masses with no surrounding radiolucent rim; the maxillary lesion was irregular in shape, while the mandibular lesion was elliptical. Both patients underwent orthodontic treatment without any adverse sequelae. The clinical and radiographic findings are discussed to facilitate the diagnosis of radiopacities of jaws. Usually asymptomatic and of no clinical significance, IO may occasionally induce root resorption, traumatic occlusion, traumatic/pathologic migration of teeth, and inhibit eruption of teeth. Though orthodontic tooth movement through areas of IO can be undertaken, the rate of tooth movement may be slower due to higher trabecular bone density. Lower force levels are warranted to avoid adverse effects like root resorption and bone hyalinization.