Definition: Increased bone deposition due to inflammation. This can be associated with either reversible pulpitis or irreversible pulpitis. It can also be associated with areas of inflammation such as periodontitis.
Radiographic Features:
Location: Surrounding the source of inflammation – a tooth or an area of inflammation.
Edge: Well-localized.
Shape: Radiates away from the source of inflammation, typically the apex of a tooth.
Internal: Radiopaque, radiopacity of bone.
Other: It may be associated with rarefying osteitis and/or a widened periodontal ligament space but it may also be solitary.
Number: May be single or multiple.
(click image to enlarge)
Sclerosing osteitis
(left – with arrow) (right – without arrow)
Sclerosing osteitis
(apical to first molar)
Sclerosing osteitis
(apical to first molar)
