Definition: Healing of an extraction site or surgical area with dense, sclerotic bone formation.
Radiographic Features:
- Location: Can occur anywhere in the maxilla or mandible
- Edge: Well-defined to well-localized
- Shape:
- May resemble shape of extracted tooth roots
- Irregular in areas of surgery
- Internal structure:
- Radiopaque, denser than surrounding bone
- Loss of normal trabecular pattern
- Number: May be single or multiple sites
Key points:
- Often associated with use of non-biocompatible bone grafts (e.g., cadaver or animal bone)
- Represents an altered healing response
- More dense than normal bone healing
Clinical significance:
- May affect bone quality for future procedures (e.g., implant placement)
- Could impact local blood supply and bone metabolism
- Might require special consideration in treatment planning
- Important to differentiate from pathological conditions or retained root fragments
Note: While sclerotic bone healing is generally not pathological, it’s important to correlate radiographic findings with clinical history and examination. The altered bone quality may influence future treatment options in the affected area.