Imaging of Radiolucent Jaw Lesions

Radiolucent lesions in the jaw bones comprise a whole spectrum of odontogenic and nonodontogenic lesions. Although the imaging appearance is not always specific, careful radiologic analysis may contribute to characterization of these lesions. A useful approach is to first analyze the absence or presence of a relationship of the lesion to the teeth. The relation may be either near the tooth apex or crown of the tooth. Other lesions may or may not show any specific anatomical location. After analysis of the primary location of the lesion, additional criteria that may help in further imaging characterization are lesion demarcation and morphology, involvement of the cortex and periosteum, and soft tissue changes. This article describes the most characteristic and prevalent radiolucent lesions of the jaws at each location. In routine clinical practice, cone beam computed tomography is sufficient for appropriate lesion characterization, although magnetic resonance imaging may be useful in selected cases.