RADIOGRAPHIC INVESTIGATION OF MANDIBULAR PERIOSTITIS OSSIFICANS IN 55CASES

The radiographic and clinical features of periostitis ossificans in 55 patients with mandibular osteomyelitis were studied. On the basis of whether the original mandibular contour was preserved or not, the lesi ons could be classified radiographically into two major types, each wi th two subtypes. Type I lesions were of shorter duration than Type II. Type I-2 and Type II-1 periostitis ossificans were characteristically observed in patients under 25 years of age. Extraction of the lower t hird molar with pericoronitis was the most frequent cause of periostit is ossificans. An unerupted third molar tooth bud was found in close p roximity to the area of periostitis ossificans in six patients. With a dequate treatment there can be complete resolution of periostitis ossi ficans in Type I cases; however, when there has been loss of mandibula r contour (Type II cases), mandibular deformity remains even when norm al bony architecture has been restored.