What Is Condensing Osteitis?

Your commons sense would tell you that inflammation from an infected or dead nerve in your tooth would make it smaller. However, condensing osteitis actually spurs bone growth in your jawbone. It doesn't destroy it but instead increases bone density while decreases space for bone marrow — typically affecting your lower back molars. According to a study from Brazilian Oral Research, the age range for condensing osteitis is quite broad, spanning from 30-70 years of age. Fortunately, most people diagnosed with it don't experience any pain or symptoms.

It's slightly peculiar, but since condensing osteitis symptoms are often not present, most diagnoses aren't made until you see your dentist. It's there during a regular dental checkup while receiving a routine X-ray, the pulp of your tooth is examined. The bone growth looks opaque under your root within the X-ray — whereas bone destruction would appear transparent, accompanied by pain and discomfort. Condensing osteitis is relatively uncommon. It consists of only 2% of conditions diagnosed during a routine X-ray exam, according to a study published in Dentomaxillofacial Radiology. The use of diagnostic x-ray equipment allows your dental professional to assess the bony area without a biopsy properly. All this makes it all the more important to maintain your regular dental exams and X-rays so your dentist and dental hygienist can identify any potential issues.

Once your dentist has diagnosed you with condensing osteitis, there are a few solutions when it comes to treatment options—some more invasive than others.

• Monitor the increased bone density while there are no current symptoms
• Treat the affected tooth with either endodontics, a different restoration, or tooth extraction.
• Have your dentist perform a root canal procedure to treat the infected tooth
• See an endodontist, a root canal specialist, to perform the procedure
• Work with your dentist or endodontist post-procedure on keeping your tooth healthy in the future

There are some incidents with oral health, like condensing osteitis, that happens, and there's nothing you can do. However, what you can do is brush, floss, and get dental checkups with X-rays regularly. If you do that, your dentist, thankfully, can diagnose and treat any potential dental issues you may have.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.