Anterior lingual mandibular bone depression: differential diagnosis of periapical inflammatory disorders

Lingual mandibular bone depressions mainly affect the posterior region of the mandible. Depressions in the anterior region are rare, frequently posing difficulties in diagnosis. The aim of this article is to present a case of an anterior lingual mandibular bone depression (ALMBD) that was radiographically superimposed on the roots of anterior teeth. A 43-year-old man was referred for evaluation of a slight depression on the lingual surface of the anterior mandible. The depression was associated with a well-defined radiolucent area superimposed on the roots of the right canine and incisors. All teeth in the area proved to be vital, and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) revealed a lingual depression in the area. The final diagnosis was an ALMBD, and the patient underwent clinical and radiographic follow-up examinations for 22 months that revealed no alterations in the area. When anterior mandibular radiolucencies are superimposed on the roots of the adjacent teeth, ALMBDs should be considered in the differential diagnosis along with periapical cysts and granulomas. Radiographic and CBCT analyses are useful to avoid unnecessary endodontic and surgical approaches.