What’s The Difference between Condensing Osteitis and Hypercementosis?
Similar to condensing osteitis, hypercementosis also starts affecting the teeth beneath the surface. Both conditions affect molars and premolars along the jaw area.
Condensing osteitis and hypercementosis are both undetectable until found on dental X-rays, although they differ in their appearance on X-rays. Hypercementosis makes the tooth’s root look larger, whereas condensing osteitis is a reaction in the bone surrounding the tooth and is not directly attached to the root.
At the core of hypercementosis is the overproduction of a material called cementum, which covers the roots of your teeth. This can lead to noticeably thicker teeth, some of which may become stuck together.
Condensing osteitis could also lead to pain with chronic pulpitis.
There are several possible causes of hypercementosis, some of which includes:
- Tooth trauma
- Impacted teeth
- Inflammation
- Paget’s disease [5]
- Thyroid disease [6]
- Arthritis [7]
- Rheumatic fever [8]
Conclusion
Condensing osteitis is a rare condition that usually causes no visible symptoms. It is mostly traced to inflammation in the tooth, which leads to abnormal bone growth, especially around the molars and premolars. A dentist will likely recognize condensing osteitis on a routine X-ray and may recommend root canal treatment or refer you to an endodontist. The recommended treatment will depend on the findings and diagnosis.
The earlier you treat condensing osteitis, the better your chances of recovering. And you can also prevent possible complications as well as future bone and tooth problems.
Reference:
[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/x-ray/
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350269
[3] https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/what-is-pulpitis
[4] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antibiotics/
[5] https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Pagets-Disease-of-Bone
[6] https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/understanding-thyroid-problems-basics
[7] https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis
[8] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatic-fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20354588