Fig 1.

Radiographic findings in bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws.

A, Normal: the alveolar crest of the jaws is the cortical bone of the alveolar margin in between teeth and is continuous with the lamina dura around the root of the tooth. The 1- to 2-mm lucency between the root of the tooth and the lamina dura corresponds with the space for the periodontal ligament.

B, In our series, osseous sclerosis was most commonly involved in the alveolar margin and lamina dura. The sclerotic changes were often diffuse rather than localized to the area of clinical involvement.

C, In the patients with sequential imaging, the sclerotic changes were often progressive and may encroach on the mandibular canal. The sclerosis of the medullary cavity may be attenuated and reminiscent of osteopetrosis.