Charles Kim, Brianne Henderson, Calvin Biddle

Introduction
• What is conventional imaging? List its pros/cons
o Panoramic radiographs, intra-oral radiographs, lateral cephalometrics
o Advantages: superior spatial resolution, low cost, easy access (readily available)
o Disadvantages: 2D image of a 3D structure – vulnerable to superimpositions
o Intraoral radiographs have the best spatial resolution whereas panoramics have moderate resolution, but allow us
to see the whole jaw. Panoramics also have distortion in the horizontal plane
• What is advanced imaging? List its pros/cons

o Advantages: primary diagnosis of maxillary antrum, facial fractures, lesions in base of skull, soft tissue lesions of
head and neck. More accurate measurement, and allows more refinement of the differential diagnosis
o Disadvantages: poor spatial resolution
• Which advanced imaging modalities most likely to contribute to the lesions of the face and jaws?
o Cone beam CT, helical CT, magnetic resonance imaging
o CBCT is excellent technology in assisting with diagnosis
• Why should you image prior to biopsy and other surgery?
o Less invasive, interpreted sooner
o May not need a biopsy if diagnosis can be made on imaging
o Biopsy may disrupt the tissues, nullifying possible diagnoses with imaging techniques in the future
▪ Do not rush into a biopsy until imaging is completed
o Example: overzealous biopsies in patients with fibrous dysplasia disrupted the tissues. Many years later, imaging
was done due to suspicion of reactivation and many artifacts were found, and even invasion of the pathology into
the soft tissues
• What lesson does the BC case, Holsten (patient) and Card (dentist), teach us?
o Bitewing of the 3rd molar was taken, but the whole area was not captured adequately
o 3rd molar extraction was performed without realizing proximity to the IAN
o Patient got persistent mental paresthesia
o Informed consent and adequate radiographs are essential
• What kind of lesion/s is a poorly defined margin directing you towards?
o Infection or a malignant lesion
• What kind of lesion is suggested by a multilocular presentation?
o Ameloblastoma, odontogenic keratocyst, odontogenic myxoma
o Look for the 3 key multilocular patterns: soap bubble, honey comb, or tennis racket
• What kind of lesions are suggested by root resorption?
o All lesions with radiolucencies eventually cause root resorption
o Especially prevalent with odontogenic neoplasms
• How can you best determine the size of a lesion on a panoramic radiograph?
o Metric, imperial, or dental units (1 tooth = 1 unit, 1 lower incisor = ½ unit)

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• What are the 5Ss? Where does the 3Ds fit in?

Shade -Radiolucent: absence of mineralized tissue, usually bone

-Radiopaque: excess mineralized tissue, usually abnormal bone
-Mixed: white areas within black areas, usually deposition of mineralized tissue in an area where
normal bone was previously removed

Types of radiopacities
-Anatomical: normal denser bone like the inferior alveolar canal, or hyoid bone
-Artifactual: ghost image or superimposition of another structure (vertebral column), shaking of the
machine, underexposure
-Pathological: bone cell deposited (neoplasia/dysplasia) or non bone cell deposited (dystrophic)
-Iatrogenic: overfilled RCT’s, implants
-Idiopathic
Shape -Spherical: cysts, benign neoplasms limited by cyst linings, capsules. Spread is even in all directions,
unless limited by an anatomic structure
-Unilocular: lesion is 1 space, although the borders may be scalloped
-Multilocular: partitions divide the lesion into rooms, but don’t confuse a multilocular lesion with a
unilocular scalloped lesion. Described as honeycomb, soap bubble, or tennis racket pattern. Generally
associated with more severe pathologies and may require resection of the lesion
-Fusiform: spindle shaped
-Irregular: unrestrained spread of lesion, likely an infection or malignant neoplasm
Site -Single: local cause
-Multiple: medical/systemic cause
-Jaw: max/mand, anterior/posterior
-Relationship to inferior alveolar canal: above (odontogenic lesion), within (neurogenic lesion), or
below (non-odontogenic lesion)
-Relationship to hard palate: above (non-odontgenic lesion), below (odontogenic lesion)
-Relationship to tooth: if odontogenic, is it related to an unerupted crown or an erupted root?
-Relationship apex of an erupted tooth: is it separated from the apex by PDL space (black line)?
-Yes: lesion arising adjacent to apex (usually a fibroosseus lesion)
-No: arising from cementum; hypercementosis of cemental lesion
Size -mm, cm
-In relation to size of another anatomic structure
Surroundings -Transition between normal tissue and lesion tissue
-<1mm: lesion is considered “well defined”
->1mm: lesion is considered “poorly defined” and indicative of an infection or malignancy
-There are 3 further types of well defined peripheries
-Punched out: normal tissue right up to the lesion
-Cortex: shell of radiopaque margin surrounding the lesion
-Sclerosis: zone of radiopacity around the lesion that gradually fades to normal bone
-Mach Effect
-Involuntary phenomenon due to lateral inhibition in the retina “you are seeing things”
-Enhances contrast at edges between two densities
-Diagnostic danger
Diameter -Best seen in hollow structures like the inferior alveolar canal and mental foramen
-If the diameter of this structure is increased, then the lesion is within it
-If the diameter is reduced, then the lesion is outside it
Density -Changes can be seen in teeth, cortices, and hollow structures
Displacement -Teeth, cortices, hollow structures, lower border of the mandible, antral floor

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Developmental disease
• Why is radiology not as important as a thorough clinical examination for most developmental lesions?
o Age, gender, ethnic origin, chief complaint, and medical history should also be considered
• What information can radiology provide, which is NOT obtainable by clinical examination alone?
o Early diagnosis of lesions, and distinguishing them between a malignant and benign lesion
o Confirmation of diagnoses
o Prompt diagnosis of locally invasive benign neoplasms so that the most appropriate treatment can be given, and to
minimize its recurrence
o Prompt diagnosis of hemangiomas so that the most appropriate treatment can be given, to avoid potential fatal
exsanguination
• How would you evaluate a panoramic radiograph which your CDA has just taken which displays a large jaw on one side?
o Observe the patient – is their face symmetrical?
o If it is, then the panoramic was taken with operator error (head was turned)
• What would you suspect if the jaw was not only enlarged on one side, but also the teeth?
o Hemangioma, neurofibroma. Fibrous dysplasia would affect only jaws, not teeth
• What is a haemangioma and how does it differ from a vascular malformation? (Chapter 9)
o Hemangioma
▪ Proliferates for the first year after birth, then 80% of them regress completely within 7 years of age
▪ Benign tumor formed by a collection of excess blood vessels
▪ May present as a “port wine stain” on the skin, which may blanch under pressure
▪ Only treated if the baby has low platelets, or if it presents in the liver (causes massive shunt of blood)
o Vascular malformation
▪ Is present at birth, never proliferates, and never involutes
▪ We are more likely to encounter vascular malformations
▪ Higher risk: may cause bleeding or clots to spread throughout the body
• What is fibrous dysplasia?
Epidemiology -Majority presents over 20 years old, with the mean being 24 years old
-Patients are first aware of their disease 5.2 years before first presentation/diagnosis (19 years old)
Types -Monostotic FD: 1 bone affected, represents 80~85% of cases. Commonly seen in mandible. More
difficult to diagnose as many cases are asymptomatic
-Craniofacial FD: multiple adjacent craniofacial bones affected
-Polyostotic FD: 1+ bones affected
-Jaffe Lichtenstein syndrome: polyostotic fibrous dysplasia + café au lait macules
-McCune Albright syndrome: polyostotic fibrous dysplasia + café au lait macules + endocrinopathy
-Endocrinopathies: sexual precocity, pituitary adenoma, hyperthyroidism
Presentation -Usually monostotic and unilateral
-Monostotis FD rarely affects the eye, but could cause blindness if it narrows the optic canal
-Presents with swelling and pain in the affected bone, and even severe deformation
-Pathological fracture: fracture caused by weakening of the bone. Rare in jaws
Radiography -Asymmetric, homogenous, ill defined radiopacities that blend into normal bone
(see next page) -Lesion descriptors: ground glass appearance, peau d’orange, fingerprint, cotton wool
-Thin corticies and bone expansion
-Best seen on CT scans on bone
Pathogenesis -Genetic disorder that causes GSα (a signaling molecule) to be expressed constitutively
-Osteoblasts mature sporadically, stromal cell differentiation is favoured
-Leads to medullary bone being replaced with fibrous tissue instead
-Fibrous tissue expands the bone and deforms it
Is fibrous dysplasia a hamartoma or neoplasm?
-Hamartoma: benign, localized malformation. Appears neoplastic (genetic aberrations and
disorganized structuring), but grows at the same rate as its surroundings
-Neoplasm: cells with genetic aberrations have no organization and grow uncontrollably
-FD is neither, because it can be activated/reactivated in adult life by factors like pregnancy
Treatment -Surgery can be done, but only performed if there is a threat to vision or appalling esthetics
-Steroids can be given immediately to safeguard vision, followed by surgery
-Do not irradiate as it can cause sarcomatous changes

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Radiolucencies
• What is a radiolucency?
o Greater transparency to X rays, appearing darker on radiographs
o Generally associated with a lack of bone due to disease
• In which areas of the jaws on dental images, will you see a radiolucency?
o Maxilla: maxillary suture, sinus, incisive foramen, nasolacrimal canal
o Mandible: mandibular canal, mental foramen
o Both: PDL space, trabeculae of cancellous bone, nutrient canal
• On what imaging modalities currently used in dental practice do you expect radiolucencies to be present?
o Conventional radiograph, panoramic radiograph, CBCT
• When you encounter a radiolucency what features will you consider first?
o See flowchart on next page
o Localized or multiple lesions
o Clinical presentations and medical history
o Start with the most common diagnoses then narrow it down
• What does multiple radiolucencies suggest to you?
o Systemic cause
o Most commonly cherubism and KCOTs
• What features are more likely to distinguish a malignant lesion from a benign one?
o Benign: well defined and encapsulated. May displace structures, but will not erode them
o Malignant: poorly defined margins, root resorption, “floating tooth” on radiolucencies
• Gorlin Goltz syndrome (Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome)
o Symptoms
▪ Multiple OKC’s are an early manifestation (A single keratocyst in a young child)
▪ Multiple basal cell carcinomas on the skin, calcified falx cerebri, abnormal Ca and PO4 metabolism
▪ CNS: ophthalmic dysfunction, 5~10% develop a brain malignancy (medulloblastoma)
▪ Carcinomas can recur, but not likely
o Multidisciplinary treatment with dermatology, opthalmology
o Dentist can be the first to spot the syndrome

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• Radiolucent lesions
Lesion Differential About Presentation Pathogenesis Treatment
Periapical -Early -Types: granuloma, radicular cyst, -Non vital tooth -Infection of pulp  -Endodontics or
radiolucency intraosseous SCC abscess -Initial thickening of PDL with tenderness on percussion spreads out the apex extraction of the tooth
(inflammatory (ruled out if tooth -Similar radiographically, different -Grows into a ill defined, localized, unilocular lesion -Bone cells protect -Should resolve within
origin) is non-vital) histologically -May be better defined in long standing lesions body by degrading a year of endodontic
-Ameloblastoma -Radicular cysts are the most common -Centered on tooth bone around the apex therapy
-Giant cell lesion -Radicular cysts mostly affect men ->1.5cm is likely a radicular cyst -Radicular cysts are
-Odontogenic 30~40 in the maxillary anteriors formed from epithelial
keratocyst residues on PDL in
response to
inflammation
Dentigerous -Normal follicle -Cyst surrounding an unerupted tooth -Unilocular radiolucency w. borders attaching at CEJ -Originates at If tooth cannot erupt
cyst -Ameloblastoma -Mand 8 > max 3 > max 8 > mand 5 -No root resorption of adjacent teeth, but could displace cemento-enamel -Enucleate + extract
-OKC -Asymptomatic when small, painless them junction If tooth can erupt
-Unicystic expansion of bone when large -Asymptomatic, but possible pain and swelling -Accumulation of fluid -Partial removal of
ameloblastoma 3 types between the reduced cyst and watchful
-Eruption cyst Central, -Cyst attaches to M+D CEJ’s enamel epithelium waiting
classic -Tooth may displace apically as cyst expands and the crown, or -Ortho Tx possible
Lateral -Cyst attaches to side of crown, leading to between layers of Very large cyst
mesial/vertical impaction reduced enamel -Marsupialize to
-Attached to CEJ on one side, coronal to CEJ on
epithelium shrink it, then remove
other side
Circum- -Tooth can no longer be displaced apically, but cyst
when smaller
ferential continues to grow
-Cyst expands beyond CEJ, separates from root by
a bony sleeve
Ameloblastoma -Odondogenic -Most common odontogenic tumor -Slow growing, could progress to facial deformity -Locally invasive Solid
myxoma -High rate of recurrence -Swelling (70%), pain, paresthesia, numbness, discharge, epithelial odontogenic -Resect with 1cm
-OKC -91% present in the posterior fistula, ulceration tumor margins
-Residual cyst mandible -Well defined radiolucency Possible sources:
-Cemento- -Solid type = polycystic + desmoplastic -Bucco-lingual bony expansion (pathognomic) -Reduced enamel Unicystic
osseous dysplasia -Tooth displacement, root resorption epithelium of the -Conservative tx with
Common 80% -More -Multilocular with a soap bubble appearance follicle enucleation and
(polycystic) common in -Epithelium of an cytotoxic solution
Unicystic 20% East Asians -May appear unilocular odontogenic cyst (Carnoy’s solution)
and sub- -Majority are connected to a tooth, mimicking a -Epithelial rests -Recurrence drops
Saharan dentigerous cyst -Basal cell of overlying from 30% to 10% with
Africans in 3 subtypes: alveolar mucosa Carnoy’s
their mid- -Luminal: ameloblastic cyst epithelium lining (↓ recur) -If in posterior maxilla,
30’s -Intra-luminal: ameloblastic mass protrudes into lumen -Virtually no tendency then resection is
-Mural (95%): ameloblastic mass invades into adjacent to metastasize preferred
fibrous tissue walls -Could metastasize to
Desmoplastic -More common in -Poorly defined radiolucent/opaque lungs
North Americans and -Common in maxilla*
Europeans in mid- -Low recurrence
40’s
Peripheral -Rare
(extraosseous)

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Lesion Differential About Presentation Pathogenesis Treatment

Odontogenic -Dentigerous cyst -Mostly affects females ~10 and males -Swelling, pain -Locally invasive -Marsupialization:
keratocyst -Ameloblastoma 10~40 -Grows in cancellous bone, and spreads aggressively epithelial odontogenic open cyst and let cyst
(para- -Odontogenic -70~80% presents in mandible (mostly -Maxilla: usually a small, round radiolucency with defined tumor shrink over time
keratinized) myxoma posterior body and ramus) radiopaque margins -Arises from rests of -Decompression: let it
-Could be identical to dentigerous -Mandible: unilocular +/- scalloped margins are most the dental lamina drain over 3~6 months
cysts radiographically and surgically common, but could also be multilocular (rests of Malassez) -Then, remove cyst
Note: ortho-keratinized
-Recurrence of 25% -Lined by para-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium -Cystic degeneration (peripheral
odontogenic keratocysts differ in
-If multiple OKC’s are seen, could be -Minimal bucco-lingual expansion, compared to -Locally invasive but ostectomy) + chemical
that they: have less recurrence, associated with a systemic condition ameloblastoma does not metastasize curettage with
and have massive B-L expansion called Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma -Corticated borders around radiolucency Carnoy’s solution
Syndrome (Gorlin Goltz syndrome)
Odontogenic -OKC -An intraosseous neoplasm -Swelling, pain, numbness, displaced teeth -Stellate and -Needs to be surgically
myxoma -Ameloblastoma -When ↑↑ collagen is present, it is -Like ameloblastoma, could have buccolingual expansion spindle-shaped cells removed completely
called a myxofibroma and root resorption (but to a lesser extent) embedded in an or else it grows back
-Affects females in mid 30’s -Unilocular or multilocular radiolucency with poorly defined abundant myxoid or
-55% in posterior mandible margins with a tennis racket pattern mucoid ECM
-Have to use MRI to distinguish from -Fusiform expansion, like fibrous dysplasia -Locally invasive, but
ameloblastoma histologically benign
Cherubism -Almost always diagnosed before 5 Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 -Autosomal dominant -Conservative
-Jaw expands starting at age 7~10, -Bilateral -At least anterior to -Entire mandible and disease management until
reaches a maximum buccal expansion rami and mental foramen maxilla -Symmetrical functional or
at 12, and completely involutes by 30 3rd molar -May include posterior -Will not cross distention of the jaws emotional
regions maxilla maxillary sutures
-Histologically disturbances demand
-May have open bite
indistinguishable from surgical intervention
-Multilocular radiolucencies with a sketched outline
a central giant cell -Maybe chemo tx
-Radiolucencies are filled with normal bone
lesion -Avoid radiotherapy
Simple bone -Aneurysmal -Pseudocyst -Cyst has no epithelial lining, only a thin loose CT lining -Could happen to -Self limiting, will heal
cyst bone cyst -94% present in the mandible -Can be empty or filled with blood children secondary to in 1~1.5 years
(traumatic bone -Lateral cyst -If seen in middle aged East Asian -Associated teeth remain vital ortho treatment
cyst) -Unicystic females, suspect osseous dysplasia -Unilocular radiolucency with barely any B-L expansion and -Associated with
ameloblastoma -25% recurrence in 2.5 years well corticated borders trauma
-OKC -Scalloping between roots
-No root resorption
-Usually asymptomatic
Nasopalatine -Most common non-odontogenic cyst -Palatal and buccal swelling -From epithelial -Enucleation
duct cyst -Most common in males in their 40s -Radiolucency >5mm wide, >10mm long btwn 11+21 residues in
-Occasional root resorption nasopalatine canal
-May be heart shaped if it overlaps with anterior nasal
spine
Lingual bone -Residual cyst -Not a true cyst -Well defined ovoid radiolucency between the mandibular -Ectopic, hyperplastic -None
defect (Stafne’s -Concavity in the lingual face of the canal and lower border of the mandible salivary gland tissue
bone cyst) posterior mandible -Dense borders, thicker on superior aspect -Puts pressure on
-Most common in males in their 40s Lingual -Due to SM salivary gland adjacent bone
-Increased risk of mand fracture posterior -Most common -Leads to resorption
Lingual -Due to SL salivary gland of bone
anterior -May mimic PARL, borders less well defined
Buccal ramus -Due to parotid gland
Lingual ramus -Below neck of condyle

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-Well defined unilocular RL -44 displaced buccal -RR on 35 -RR on 47, 46

-RR on 45 -B-L expansion -Some extruded RCT filling material -Multilocular
-44 possibly displaced -RR on 44
-Unicystic ameloblastoma -Unicystic ameloblastoma -Ameloblastoma -Unicystic ameloblastoma

-RR on 37, 38 -47 displaced inferiorly, 48 superiorly -Well defined borders -Well defined borders
-38 displaced to border of mandible -Unilocular radiolucency -Soap bubble or honey comb appearance -Multilocular
-Not attached to CEJ  not dentigerous -RR of 46 distal root (very subtle) -Root resorption -Root resorption
cyst -Lesion expansion past the alveolar ridge
-Unilocular between 46 and 48
-Unicystic ameloblastoma -Unicystic ameloblastoma -Solid multilocular ameloblastoma -Solid multilocular ameloblastoma

-Tennis racket appearance -Unilocular RL around apices -Well defined corticated unilocular RL -Well defined unilocular RL on unerupted
-No capsules, radiolucencies are masses -Thickening of PDL -Round or tear shaped tooth
with a jello-like consistency -Indistinct border of lesion and normal -Along lateral root surface -No RR
bone -Attached to or just below CEJ
-Odontogenic myxoma -Periapical abscess -Lateral periodontal cyst -Central dentigerous cyst

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-Well defined unilocular RL on unerupted -Associated teeth have no PDL widening or RR -RL with an inferiorly displaced 38
-Attached just below CEJ -RL lesion is well corticated with some scalloping between roots -Cyst is contacting the 37
-Small B-L expansion -Small radiopacities in tonsil area
-Circumferential dentigerous cyst -Traumatic bone cyst -Dentigerous cyst + tonsilloliths

-Well defined unilocular RL linked to 38 -Large unilocular RL with displacement of -Large multilocular radiolucency -Well defined RL on 38, unilocular, and
-RR on 37 distal root teeth -2 lines at lower border of mandible = substantial B-L expansion
-Minimal B-L expansion, more M-D -Appears to originate between lateral indicates massive B-L expansion -No RR on 38
and canine, hence displacement -No RR
-Odontogenic keratocyst -Odontogenic keratocyst (if other teeth -Orthokeratinized odontogenic -Orthokeratinized odontogenic
were non vital, could be radicular cyst) keratocyst keratocyst

-CBCT of the 23 -Multilocular RL with scalloped, -Multilocular soap bubble RL -RL around nasopalatine duct
-Cyst attached to CEJ on one side, and radiopaque margins -RR present -Heart shaped, as it overlaps with
coronal to CEJ on the other side -No RR or apparent B-L expansion anterior nasal spine
-Lateral dentigerous cyst -Odontogenic keratocyst -Ameloblastoma -Nasopalatine duct cyst

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Radiopacities
• What is a radiopacity?
o White area on a radiograph, indicating the presence of a denser material capable of absorbing X rays
o Normal structures: teeth, jaw bones, stylohyoid complex, skull base, cervical vertebrae
o Abnormal structures would only be radiopaque if they were depositing mineralized tissue
o Deposition may be directly due to neoplastic bone cells or indirectly from non-bone cells (chronic inflammation
causing tonsil stones, atherosclerosis depositing plaques)
• Besides the bony jaws whereas would you expect to find radiopacities?
o Calcified carotid artery atheroma, calcified lymph nodes, tonsils, acne scars
o Stylohyoid ligament mineralization
o Thyroid cartilage calcification (common in aged population)
o Fracture causing overlapping structures
o Incorrect radiographic technique
• When you encounter a radiopacity what features will you consider first? Why?
o See flowchart on next page
• Can you identify calcifications of the stylohyoid complex, carotid arteries, tonsilloliths etc confidently?
Stylohyoid complex calcification Carotid artery calcification Tonsilloliths
-12 patterns of this complex, Medial calcific sclerosis (Monckeberg’s arteriosclerosis) -Frequently seen on
based on 4 developmental -Affects tunica media layer panoramic radiographs
regions: -Looks like a pipestem pattern on imaging -Most commonly
1) Skull base -Associated with parathyroidism and osteoporosis superimposed with the
2) Stylohyal -Benign mandibular foramen
3) Ceratohyal -More common in legs, not H&N -Due to episodes of
4) Hypohyal Calcified carotid artery atheroma tonsillitis earlier in life
-Styloid process runs anterior and -Affects tunica media layer -Observed in younger
medial to hyoid bone -Round opacity initially, but becomes elongated as it patients
grows -Can cause halitosis and
-Often seen as 2 parallel lines between C3 and C4 dysphagia
• What does multiple radiopacities suggest to you?
o Cause of the lesion is more systemic, not due to local factors
o Important to diagnose and manage early, as it could have significant complications for the patient
o Consider Paget’s disease, Gardner’s syndrome, or Leontiasis Ossea
• Why is Gardner’s syndrome important for you to identify and diagnose?
o Condition involving the formation of hard tissue lesions in the jaws and polyps in the GI tract
o Polyp condition is called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and involves polyp formation in the large intestine
after the age of 20. These are dangerous as they could become malignant
▪ 10% of FAP patients will have Gardner’s
o Hard tissue lesions present in the jaws prior to the polyps
▪ Osteomas (most worrisome), odontomas, supernumerary teeth, impacted teeth
▪ Most likely to see these structures on a panoramic
▪ If these are seen, then refer to gastroenterologist for endoscopy

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• Radiopaque lesions
Lesion Differential About Presentation Pathogenesis Treatment
Osteomyelitis -Can be diffuse or localized -Infected bone on a radiograph appears radiopaque and -From infections like -Antibiotics
-Only a concern when it is diffuse laminated, like an onion skin caries that spread to
(chance of spreading out) -Can be associated with a PARL bone
-Most common in mandible -Resembles fibrous dysplasia, as it expands the bone -Induces more bone
-Spreads from alveolar process  basal process formation
-Mandibular appears more accentuated
Medication -Due to bisphosphonate therapy, -Poor wound healing, post surgical breakdown and exposure
related osteo- especially if given IV (for chemo) or for a of underlying bone
necrosis of the long duration (>3 years) -Osteomyelitis +/- fever and pain
jaw -Radiopaque findings very similar to osteomyelitis
-Expansion is often seen
Fibrous -Collectively -See developmental disorders for full -Fusiform multiloculated radiopacity -Histologically -Benign dysplasia -Surgery for esthetics
dysplasia called fibro- details -Ground glass, peau d’orange, fingerprint, all look the -Stromal cells or function
osseous -Typically self limiting and regresses in cotton wool same favoured  more -Do not irradiate
lesions adulthood -Poorly defined blending to normal bone -Fibrous fibre synthesis
-Central to -Could reactivate again in pregnancy, but -Maxillary sinus frequently obliterated stroma with
the DDx of goes away after giving birth -B-L expansion, thinning of lower border of calcified
radiopacities -Not related to teeth mandible structures
in the jaws -Loss of lamina dura in the lesion ranging from
-Possible eye involvement osteoid to
Ossifying -Benign slow growing neoplastic lesion -Asymptomatic cementoid -Expansile lesion of -Recurrence unusual,
fibroma -More common in mandible -Appears similar to FD, but is well defined -Biopsy + fibrous tissue and unless juvenile
-Variant called Juvenile ossifying fibroma with a sharp radiolucent border good clinical + randomly oriented -Easily enucleated
in pts <15 yo. Has high recurrence -Majority have ball-like B-L expansion radiographic bone
-Not related to teeth -Can be radiolucent, radiopaque, or both info needed
-Classically, radiopacity within radiolucency to make a
Osseous -Benign odontogenic neoplasm -May have pain, swelling, and discharge diagnosis -Calcified spheres -Remove if it becomes
dysplasia -Most common in Sub Saharan Africans -Always above the mandibular canal, called cementicles are exposed (like due to
and East Asians confined to the alveolar process deposited ridge resorption), as it
-Frequently presents as PARL’s on -B-L expansion, but most are well positioned -Irregular pieces of may cause
mandibular incisors, but are vital teeth and do not cause expansion woven bone are osteomyelitis
-Grows with age -Cotton wool radiopacities deposited in a loose -Also remove if
Types: Possible presentations fibrous CT matrix planning implants on
-Focal (88%): lesions in 1 sextant -Radiolucency +/- small central opacities that site
-Periapical: confined to mandible -Radiopacity with radiolucent borders
-Florid: 1+ sextant, usually bilateral. -Complete radiopacity
100% mandible, 67% maxilla
Cemento- -Sclerosing -Benign odontogenic neoplasm -Pain and swelling on biting -Cementum-like tissue -Enucleation to
blastoma osteitis -Radiographic findings are pathognomic, -Round opacity surrounded by a radiolucency connected to tooth prevent recurrence
-Dense bone so histologic analysis not necessary -May resorb the root or fuse to it roots -Possible exo of tooth
island -More common on mandible 6’s area -Could fuse 3~4 teeth together -Recurrent lesions
-Rarely affects children, onset is usually -Loss of root outline, PDL destruction may expand or
in the 20’s -Tooth usually remains vital undergo cortical
-Lesions are ~2cm perforation

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Lesion Differential About Presentation Pathogenesis Treatment

Odontoma -Most common odontogenic Complex Compound -Tumor-like -Complex could recur
neoplasm -Enamel, dentin, sometimes -Frequently presents as non- malformation (suggests neoplastic
-2 types: complex and compound cementum present eruption of permanent teeth (hamartoma) features)
-Swelling, but rarely non- -Not often swelling -Compound does not
eruption of teeth -“Bag of teeth” on radiograph recur
-Very large and demarcated -Frequently maxillary anterior
by a radiolucent space sextant
Dense bone -Retained primary -Prevalent when high [F] in water -No associated symptoms -Radiopacities in -Idiopathic -Does not regress
island molar roots -More common in posterior -Associated with vital teeth the bone represents osteosclerosis when tooth is
-Mandibular tori mandible -May cause root resorption thickening of the extracted
-Focal osseous -5+ DBI’s  suspect Gardner’s trabeculae
Sclerosing dysplasia -Necrotic pulp -No radiolucent -Idiopathic -Regresses if
(condensing) -Ossifying fibroma -Non vital teeth margins osteosclerosis associated tooth is
osteitis -Usually associated a carious or heavily -In response to extracted
restored tooth periapical inflammation

-Long RO on left of this image -Long calcified structure where the styloid -RO of ill defined margin, fusiform -Teeth like structures preventing
process is -Ground glass appearance eruption of permanent dentition
-Loss of B-L cortical thickness
-Normal styloid process. Can -Calcified stylohyoid ligament -Fibrous dysplasia -Compound odontoma
extend as far as the mandibular -No problems if asymptomatic, but may also
foramen cause earache, neck pain, dysphagia, sore throat,
compression of carotid, tinnitus, or otalgia
-Eagle syndrome: glossopharyngeal neuralga +
dysphagia + dizziness when turning head (due to
compression of carotid)

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-Many RO’s, but also RL’s associated with -RO that is large and filling up the sinus -RO on mesial root of 46 -RO on 46, surrounded by RL line
apices of teeth -Capsular, as it is surrounded by a RL line -RL line surrounding RO -RO on apex of 44, with carious tooth
-Affecting more than 1 sextant -RO is similar to RO of teeth -IAN very prominent due RO’s
-Florid osseous dysplasia -Complex odontoma -Cementoblastoma -46: cementoblastoma
-44: condensing osteitis
-Near IAN: focal sclerosing osteitis

-Poorly defined RO -Round RO surrounded by RL -Many RO’s, but also RL’s associated with -Well defined RO mass with RL outline
-Ground glass, peau d’orange -Displacement of tooth apices of teeth -Fused to tooth root, obscuring PDL
-Affecting more than 1 sextant -RR present
-Fibrous dysplasia -Ossifying fibroma -Florid osseous dysplasia -Cementoblastoma

-RO masses, similar densities to teeth -RO around the 46, round shaped -Well defined RO mass with RL outline -RO right at apex of tooth, with a carious
-“Bag of teeth” -Surrounded by large RL -Fused to tooth root, obscuring PDL tooth
-Cortical expansion without perforation -RR present
-Compound odontoma -Ossifying fibroma -Cementoblastoma -Focal sclerosing osteitis

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Maxillary Antrum (or sinus)

• Describe the anatomy of the maxillary sinus
o Occupies a large part of the mid-face
o Surrounded by the orbits, nasal cavities, oral cavities, ethmoid sinus, pterygopalatine, and infratemporal fossae
o Forms an inverted pyramid, with the apex on the lateral surface of the root of the temporal process of the zygoma
o Ostium: structure found ½ up the medial wall above the inferior turbinate. It communicates with the nasal cavity,
allowing drainage of sinus fluids
• How does the maxillary antrum present on a panoramic radiograph?
o Radiolucent structure above the maxillary teeth, with the deepest part by the maxillary first premolars
o Limitation: only gives a 2D image. Also, the sinus is wider than the focal trough of the panoramic, so the full
anatomy of the sinus cannot be captured accurately and clearly
o Conventional CT or a cone beam CT should be used instead
• How does infection/ inflammation present on radiographs of the maxillary antrum?
Sinusitis -Pain, tenderness of anterior maxilla, sensitive premolar and molars to percussion or bite
-Fluid will be seen in the sinus
-Sinus walls may appear thickened in chronic sinusitis
-Polyps may appear in cases of allergic sinusitis
-Osteomyelitis of the sinus is rare and usually presents in children. In
OM, the sinus does not grow
How to assess fluid levels in the sinus
-Radiograph taken on patient in a occipito-mental projection with
patient sitting upright
-Then, re-radiograph the area with a 30 degree tilt to one side
Ostium -Mucocele develops and expands in the sinus  expansion then erosion of the sinus walls
blockage -However, seen more often in frontal and ethmoid sinuses, not maxillary sinus
Thalassemia -Entire sinus is overtaken by hematopoietic stem cells, as the body tries to replenish the blood cells
-There is no empty space in the sinus, rather it is occupied completely by bone
Osteosarcoma -Sunray spicules
Malignancy -Loss of sinus floor, much of the tuberosity, and posterior wall
• How can you distinguish between a mucosal antral pseudocyst and polyp?
Mucosal antral pseudocyst Antral polyp
-Accumulation of fluid n the antral mucosa without an epithelial lining -Solid appearance
-Most frequent intrinsic lesion in maxillary sinus -Well demarcated
-On pano: more frequently seen on antral floor borders
-On helical CT: seen on lateral walls too -If there is more than
-Soft tissue dense structure partially filling the sinus one, it is more likely to
-Subtle silhouette outlines the lesion, as it is made of soft tissue. It is be polyps than a
not clear as bone pseudocyst
• How do odontogenic cysts and neoplasms and fibrous dysplasia present in the maxillary antrum?
Dentigerous cyst -Arises from canines and supernumeraries
-On pan and CT, can see unerupted canine with incomplete roots in the sinus
Orthokeratinized -Often associated with an unerupted tooth
odontogenic cyst -Radiopaque lesion in sinus that is in close contact with the unerupted tooth
Odontogenic -Radiopacity above the hard palate (soft tissue vs air) and radiolucency below (soft tissue vs bone)
keratocyst -Unilocular and early presentation
Ossifying fibroma -Hard to differentiate from odontomas on a conventional radiograph, but are more likely to occupy
the entire vertical dimension of the sinus
Fibrous dysplasia -FD can originate from the alveolus or base of the skull, and spread to involve the sinus
-Sinus appears like ground glass, bone expands vertically + horizontally, sclerosis, rarefaction
Ameloblastoma -Can invade the maxillary sinus if it is large enough
Odontogenic -Erosion and displacement of the maxillary sinus
myxoma -Leaves a soap bubble appearance of the sinus
• What is a sinus-lift graft? Why should you be aware of it?
o Procedure to lift the sinus and thicken the alveolar process in the maxilla, to support an implant
o Bilateral well defined radiopacities in posterior sextants may appear as pathologies, but are graft tissues

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Balty Case
• Paralleling vs bisecting technique for endodontics?
o Paralleling: easier, more reproducible, and less root length distortion
• Analog, PSP, CCD and CMOS. Which are best for endodontics? What about CBCT?
o CCD’s and CMOS’ are the most efficient, since endos require so many radiographs per session
o Sensor is electric and plugs in directly to the computer
o These conventional radiographs in paralleling technique are adequate for virgin, uncomplicated teeth
o CBCT is useful when performing retreatment or for a tooth with complicated anatomy
• What are the endodontic indications for the use of CBCT?
o Finding missed canals in previously treated teeth
o See canal anatomy in multi rooted, multi canalled teeth
o Analyze calcified canals and how much instrumentation needs to be done to remove calcification
o Assessment of teeth close to anatomic structures
o Only 1/12 cases in grad clinic require CBCT
• Describe CBCT - What are FOV, spatial resolution (what are its measurements?), contrast resolution (what are its
measurements?).
o Large field of view and with a large detector
o Spatial resolution: 6.5 line pairs per mm, or 0.076mm minimum voxel size (higher than helical CT)
o However, the contrast resolution is only 12~14 bits (lower than helical CT)
o In summary, CBCT has the best spatial resolution of all imaging techniques, but the poor contrast limits it to high
contrast structures like bone. Soft tissues are hard to distinguish
o In dentistry, we mainly use CBCT’s for hard tissues only, so this limitation is not really an issue
• What are the advantages and disadvantages to CBCT?

• What are the ideal parameters (see previous question) a CBCT for endodontic reasons?
o Focused on a small field of view (5x5cm or smaller)
o Excessive imaging outside of the field of view is not necessary

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• How can you reduce the radiation dose of a CBCT investigation?

o Smaller field of view produces a higher spatial resolution and reduces dose
o Lead shield to block radiation to the cervical spine and thyroid
o CBCT is already inherently dose-conservative compared to a helical CT, as it only requires a single 360 degree
rotation and a short exposure time
o Mobile CBCT units only do a 180 degree rotation, which decreases dose even further (less radiation to the parotid
than panoramics)
• Which patient groups are most vulnerable to radiation induced damage?
o Children under 19 (rapid cell division, longer lifetime for ill effects to show up)
o However, needing a CBCT for an endo on a young patient is uncommon
o Those who received radiation before 19 showed 24% greater cancer incidence
• In addition to increasing the radiation dose, what other issues are raised by using a large FOV for endodontic
assessments
o Since a large FOV CT will involve structures outside of the teeth, it is important to refer it to a medical radiologist
o Not referring to interpret the eyes, brain, and neck areas can be considered negligence of the dentist
o Dental professionals with medical qualification may interpret these extragnathic areas
o Can avoid this issue by taking a narrow FOV CT of just the teeth
• Describe the stages of development of periapical radiolucency of inflammatory origin.

o PARL’s can form due to pulp necrosis or extensive periodontal disease

o Toxic metabolites from the necrotic pulp exit the root apex
o Triggers an inflammatory reaction in the apical bone and PDL  acute apical periodontitis
▪ Inflammatory infiltrate containing lymphocytes and PMN’s
▪ Neutrophils may collect to form pus, causing an apical abscess
o Body attempts to heal from acute apical periodontitis by making granulation tissue  chronic apical periodontitis
▪ Inflammatory infiltrate containing lymphocytes, plasma cells, histiocytes
▪ Entrapped epithelial cells (rests of Malassez) may proliferate to form a radicular or apical cyst
o If the body cannot contain the infection, then it may progress to osteomyelitis
▪ Not related to size of lesion, but more dependent on severity of the reaction
▪ Distinguishing between periapical inflammation or osteomyelitis:
• Simple periapical periodontitis will be centered around the tooth
• If the lesion extends farther, then osteomyelitis is a possible diagnosis
• Sequestra being present are suggestive of osteomyelitis
▪ Progression is rare, and may be due to compromised host defenses or increased virulence
• Describe radiological stages of healing (complete and partial) or failure to heal or recur.
o Causes of failure or recurrence
▪ Reinfection due to leakage or short fill
▪ Foreign material protruding past the apex, causing inflammation
o Radiographically, seen as a lesion that does not shrink or grows bigger

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