Dental lesions causing abnormalities on skeletal scintigraphy.

The dental lesions of periodontitis, periodontal cysts, and tooth extraction were studied by Tc-99m phosphate scintigraphy of the jaws. Inflamed apical periodontal lesions caused a localized area of increased concentration of radiotracer regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms. Scintigrams may be positive up to eight months after dental extractions but tend to return to normal thereafter unless complications arise.