Osteosclerosis

Osteosclerosis (Latin: osteosclerosis) is a pathological change in bone structure characterized by an increase in the volume of bone beams and a decrease in bone spaces. This leads to a significant increase in bone density while preserving the external contours of the bone.

Etiology and pathophysiology

In dentistry, localized osteosclerosis of the jaw is often the body’s protective response to a chronic sluggish infection from a tooth. The body compacts the bone tissue around the root, creating a barrier to limit the spread of bacterial toxins. Unlike destructive processes, osteosclerosis does not destroy bone, but thickens it.

Clinical significance

The process is asymptomatic and is only detected on radiologic examination, where the affected area appears significantly lighter (whiter) than the surrounding bone. The presence of osteosclerosis at the apex of the tooth root can be an important diagnostic marker of chronic inflammation in the dental pulp.