[Diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis--a review and case]

The bone responds to stimulation with new bone formation, resorption or the combination of both. Exclussive bone formation i.e. sclerosation is defined as an increase in the bony mass which is a result of either decreased resorption or excessive bone production. The authors describe the following inflammatory sclerosing jaw lesions: sclerosing osteitis, sclerosing periostitis of Garre and diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis. The etiopathogenesis, clinical features, histologic findings, diagnostic procedures, therapy and prognosis are presented for each pathologic entity. Further a case of rare localisation of diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis in maxilla is reported. In conclusion, the authors point out that all persistent complication following tooth extraction must arise suspection of among other problems, of diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis, bearing in mind. Despite therapy the disease frequently recures.