Three-dimensional representations of lingual cortical defects (Stafne's) using silicone impressions

Lingual cortical defects of the mandible are common radiographic entities found predominantly in adult males. Due to the benign nature of these defects and infrequent need for exploratory surgery, few paleopathologists and clinicians have had the opportunity to examine their contents. The present study, using silicone impressions, provides three-dimensional representations reflecting the size and shape of soft-tissue masses once filling 10 unusually large lingual defects. The 10 specimens were chosen from an international sample of 6,330 dry mandibles, 115 of which had lingual cortical defects.