Research: Prevalence of Dense Bone Island.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of dense bone island (DBI) and its relationship to age and sex; its predominant location, amount, and shape; and its correlation with resorption of roots.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective chart review was done with panoramic images of 4581 patients above the age of 14 years at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in northeast Ohio from January 2014 to May 2015.

RESULTS

Of 4581 patients seen, 147 (3.2%) reported with DBI. Females were mostly affected compared with males, and this was statistically significant. The age group primarily involved was from 15 to 24 years. The mandibular right premolar apical region was mostly involved,and the shape of lesions was mostly round.

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings, DBI appears as radiopaque islands without any radiolucent rim on radiographic images. These islands can occur at any age and at any location, with a predilection for females.The lesions are mostly seen in the mandibular premolar apical area. Resorption was seen in few cases of DBI, and follow-up showed no deleterious effects.