Idiopathic Osteosclerosis a Systemic Review of Population in Northern Taiwan

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and anatomic location of idiopathic osteosclerosis (IOS) in the mandible with a major population of northern Taiwan. Methods: Retrospectively reviewed periapical or panoramic radiographs of 2118 patients for the presence of idiopathic osteosclerosis in the jawbones in northern Taiwan. The diagnosis of IOS was confirmed by two oral pathologists. Systemic reviewed and recorded patient's dental history and compared with social demographic factors with student-t test. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients (7.1%) showed IOS in the mandible. The frequent occurrence sites were the mandibular first molar (44%), the second premolar (25%), the first premolar (18%), second molar (8%) and canine (5%). There were no significant differences between sexes. The average age was 27.6 years. 25 out of the 150 IOS patients (16.7%) accepted orthodontic treatment at childhood. 13 out of the 25 orthodontic patients (52%) were class III malocclusions. The average size of IOS was about 9.2mm in diameters from radiographic observations. Out of the 150 patients, only 14 (9.3%) showed symptoms with painful sensation with medical control. NSAIDs were the main prescriptions. Only 3 cases in our studies showed mandible numbness with lesions compacted to the inferior alveolar nerve. Surgical excisions were intervened in these patients. CONCLUSION: Our studies showed higher incidence and younger age than other studies. The average size of IOS was larger than previous published studies. Compared to previous studies, occlusal force may be the possible etiology of IOS. In our findings, the class III malocclusion may play an important role in developing IOS.