Analysis of imaging findings in jaw bone islands / 华西口腔医学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To provide reference data on frequency and distribution of bone islands (BIs) and investigate their relationship with age, gender, and localization.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A population who received a pretreatment and at least one follow-up panoramic radiograph in the Department of Oral Radiology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, were selected for this retrospective study. A sample population of 29,556 patients (12,824 males and 16,732 females) with different dental complaints and ages ranging from 8 to 80 years (mean age 23.95 years) were included.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the radiographic evaluation, BIs appeared as localized, well-defined, non-expansile, radiopaque masses which were round, elliptic, or irregular in shape. Their sizes varied from a few millimeters to about 2 cm in diameter. A total of 598 radiopacities were detected, and 545 patients of 29,556 patients (1.84%) had BIs. Among subjects with multiple lesions, 49 patients had 2 BIs and 2 patients had 3 BIs. The BIs had immense mandibular predilection, with presentation primarily in the premolar/molar region. The condition appeared to have no tendencies based on sex.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Recognition of BIs variation is significant in dental examinations.</p>