14. Inflammatory Conditions of the Jaw Flashcards
What are the cardinal signs of inflammation?
Rubor (redness), Tumor (swelling), Calor (heat), Dolor (pain), Functio Laesa (loss of function).
How can inflammation appear radiographically?
Localized or diffuse, with well-defined or ill-defined periphery, and radiolucent, radiopaque, or mixed internal structures.
What is the primary cause of inflammation in the jaw?
Bacterial plaque releasing exotoxins, leading to inflammatory responses.
How does acute inflammation differ from chronic inflammation?
Acute: recent, pain, swelling, fever, macrophages/neutrophils. Chronic: long-lasting, fibroblasts, osteoclasts, granulomas, cysts.
What is the mechanism of periapical inflammatory diseases?
Pulpal necrosis leads to metabolites exiting the root apex, causing inflammation in the periapical space.
What are common imaging features of apical periodontitis?
Focal PDL space widening, lamina dura loss, radiolucency at apex, possible root resorption.
What is pericoronitis?
Inflammation of soft tissues around a partially erupted tooth, often mandibular third molars.
What imaging features are associated with pericoronitis?
Radiolucency around tooth/root, osteosclerosis, periosteal new bone formation.
What is osteomyelitis?
Inflammation of bone and marrow, often from periapical infections or hematogenous spread.
What are imaging features of chronic osteomyelitis?
Fistula/sequestra, panoramic showing sclerosis/rarefaction, CBCT detecting new bone formation.
What is osteoradionecrosis?
Bone death post-radiation therapy (>50 Gy), with ill-defined margins, eroded cortex, mixed density.
What is MRONJ and its causes?
Medication-related osteonecrosis from bisphosphonates or RANKL inhibitors affecting bone remodeling.
What are imaging features of MRONJ?
PDL widening, bone sclerosis, extensive bone loss, sequestra formation.
How do malignant neoplasms appear in osteomyelitis differential diagnosis?
Irregular bone destruction, PDL widening, consider osteosarcoma, leukemia, lymphoma.
What are key imaging modalities for inflammatory jaw conditions?
CBCT and panoramic X-rays for bone resorption, sclerosis, periosteal reactions, sequestration.
