Introduction - Lesions growing in the bone alter the osseous structure. These alterations are typically visible on radiographs. Diseases which destroy bone produce lesions which are radiolucent on x-rays. In the jaws, radiolucent lesions can result from inflammation,cysts or neoplasms. Diseases which synthethesize calcified material produce lesions which are radiopaque on x-rays. In the jaws, the calcified material can be bone, cartilage, cementum, dentin or enamel. Compared to other bones of the skeleton, the diagnosis of lesions involving the maxilla and the mandible can be a greater diagnostic challenge. This is because the maxilla and the mandible contain teeth, a wide variety of diseases can be associated with teeth and the tissues that form teeth.
This lecture series is designed to help you identify radiographic features of diseases which appear on routine dental radiographs. It is important to remember that the interpretation of radiographic features is only one component of the diagnostic process. The clinical presentation, and in many cases, the microscopic features of the disease are also important diagnostic considerations.
OBJECTIVES
For each disease included in each diagnostic category be able to:
· Know the most common name for each lesion
· List the lesions including alternative naming schemes that may have historical importance (thus facilitating communication among clinicians)
· Discuss the etiology of each lesion
· Identify images of typical lesions and describe the clinical features
· Identify other useful clinical information including symptoms and epidemiologic data
· Implement radiographic differential diagnosis
· Appropriate diagnostic steps
· Identify the clinical significance of a lesion and whether it indicates the presence of a serious systemic disease or could it be potentially life-threatening
