Retrospective comparison of the frequency, distribution, and radiographic features of osteosclerosis of the jaws between Taiwanese and American cohorts using cone-beam computed tomography

Objectives: The aim of this study was to retrospectively compare the frequency, distribution, and radiographic features of osteosclerosis of the jaws between Taiwanese and American cohorts using cone-beam computed tomography. Methods: Our study comprised 400 Taiwanese and 400 American subjects. A three-dimensional model was used to measure the volume and mesial-distal distance (MDD) of the osteosclerotic lesions. A cross-sectional view was used to measure the top-bottom distance (TBD), buccal-lingual distance (BLD), and whether the lesions contacted the buccal and/or lingual cortical bone or adhered to root apices. The MDD and TBD were also measured on a panoramic reformatted view, which was used to classify the side, shape, and tooth site. The axial view was evaluated to categorize the osteosclerotic lesions as homogeneous or heterogeneous. Results: There was a significant difference in the frequency of osteosclerosis between the Taiwanese and American cohorts, as well as significant differences between these two cohorts in the measurements of volume, BLD, and MDD. No significant differences between males and females were found in either cohort. In the Taiwanese cohort the highest prevalence of osteosclerotic lesions (38 %) was found in subjects aged 40-49 years, while in the American cohort the highest prevalence (36 %) was found in subjects aged 30-39 and C60 years. Conclusions: The findings of our study may be of valuable clinical relevance to dental practitioners, since osteosclerosis of the jaws may have a significant impact on the osseointegration of dental implants.