Radiological follow-up of cemento-osseous dysplasia on cone-beam computed tomography.

This study investigated the natural course of cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD) on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Retrospectively, 104 CBCT scans from 36 patients (mean age, 44.5 years; 33 female and three male) with mandibular COD (10 florid, seven focal, 19 periapical) were included, based upon clinico-radiological features, without complications such as infection and related surgery. Changes in maximum diameter and morphology (lytic, mixed lytic-sclerotic, sclerotic) were evaluated in 83 lesions, with a mean follow-up of 28.3 months. The occurrence of a diameter increase was assessed by time-to-event analysis; interreader agreement for diameter and morphological evaluation by intraclass correlation coefficient and weighted κ statistics, respectively. Fifteen of 83 (18.1%) lesions (eight florid, one focal, six periapical) in 10 patients increased in diameter; 12 of 83 (14.5%) lesions (five florid, seven periapical) in 11 patients changed morphologically. The median period until a diameter increase was longest (120 months) for periapical COD, and shortest (66 months) for florid COD (p = 0.023). There was high reader agreement (ICC = 0.891; weighted κ = 0.901). In conclusion, CBCT is an effective tool with which to follow-up COD. If any, the natural progress in uncomplicated COD is prolonged, which underlines its non-surgical character and aids in its long-term management.

Cementoblastoma Mimicking Pathology of Endodontic Origin: A Case Report.

Interdisciplinary care in the management of complex pathology is critical to ensure patients receive predictable, evidence-based treatment. The authors report the unique case of a healthy 38-year-old female patient who presented to a private endodontics practice with a radiopaque lesion associated with the root of tooth No. 20. The patient experienced mild and occasional palpation tenderness associated with the tooth. Extraoral examination and intraoral soft tissues presented without any abnormalities. Intraoral radiographs revealed a radiopacity overlying the apex of tooth No. 20. A cone-beam computed tomography scan of the region revealed a well-delineated bulbous radiopaque lesion attached to the lingual aspect of the apical third of the root of tooth No. 20. The lesion could not be distinguished from the root outline and presented with a radiolucent halo along its periphery. The differential diagnosis at the time consisted of cementoblastoma, condensing osteitis, hypercementosis, and periapical cemento-osseous dysplasia. The patient was referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for evaluation and treatment. Tooth No. 20 was subsequently treated with an excisional biopsy and concurrent extraction of the tooth. Histologic examination of the lesion supported the diagnosis of cementoblastoma.

Ossifying fibroma mimiking jaw tumour: A radiographic dilema.

Fibro-osseous lesions (FOLs) of the craniomaxillofacial region comprise a group of developmental, dysplastic, and neoplastic alterations. FOLs include ossifying fibromas (OF), cemento-ossifying fibroma (COF), familial gigantiform cementoma (FGC), fibrous dysplasia (FD), and cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD). Evidence suggests that some FOL, especially FD and OF may have a risk of spontaneous malignant transformation. This report documents a rare case of malignant transformation of ossifying fibromas of the jaw and the probable cause for same. Although it is rare, the clinician should have a complete follow up to observe such changes among the patients having FOLs.

Imaging Characteristics of Embedded Tooth-Associated Cemento-Osseous Dysplasia by Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Since there are many differential diagnoses for cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD), it is very difficult for dentists to avoid misdiagnosis. In particular, if COD is related to an embedded tooth, differential diagnosis is difficult. However, there have been no reports on the characteristics of the imaging findings of COD associated with embedded teeth. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence and imaging characteristics of cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD) associated with embedded teeth, in order to appropriately diagnose COD with embedded teeth. METHODS: The radiographs with or without histological findings of 225 patients with COD were retrospectively analyzed. A retrospective search through the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) of the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology of Kyushu Dental University Hospital was performed to identify patients with COD between 2011 and 2022. RESULTS: Fifteen COD-associated embedded mandibular third molars were identified in 13 patients. All 13 patients were asymptomatic. On imaging, COD associated with embedded mandibular third molars appeared as masses that included calcifications around the apex of the tooth. On panoramic tomography, COD showed inconspicuous internal calcification similar to that of odontogenic cysts or simple bone cysts, especially in patients with COD only around the mandibular third molar region. Those with prominent calcification resembled cemento-ossifying fibroma, calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor, calcifying odontogenic cyst, adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, and so on, as categories of masses that include calcifications on panoramic tomography and computed tomography. CONCLUSIONS: The current investigation is the first to report and analyze the imaging characteristics of COD associated with embedded teeth. It is important to consider the differences between COD and other cystic lesions on panoramic tomography, and the differences between COD and masses that include calcifications on CT.

The importance of clinical and radiological findings for the definitive histopathologic diagnosis of benign fibro-osseous lesions of the jaws: Study of 276 cases.

PURPOSE: Benign fibro-osseous lesions (BFOLs) are heterogeneous intraosseous disease processes sharing overlapping histopathologic features and demonstrate a wide range of biological behavior. The aim of this study is to highlight the importance of clinical and radiological findings for the definitive histopathologic diagnosis of benign fibro-osseous lesions of the jaws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional retrospective study evaluating the three main groups of BFOLs: Cemento-osseous dysplasia, ossifying fibromas, and fibrous dysplasia. Previously diagnosed BFOL cases were searched for thoroughly from the archives of Istanbul University, Institute of Oncology, Department of Tumor Pathology in between 2005 and 2015. Clinical and radiological data of these cases were identified and recorded. The histopathologic features were reevaluated from the H&E-stained slides. RESULTS: A total of 276 BFOL cases were identified and reevaluated for the study. The most common BFOL type was cemento-osseous dysplasia (n = 135), followed by cemento-ossifying fibroma (n = 77), fibrous dysplasia (n = 53) and juvenile ossifying fibroma (n = 11). The female/male ratio was 3.4:1 with a strong predilection for the 4th decade (n = 102). The mandible (n = 209) was the predominantly affected jaw. Prominent osteoblastic rimming around the bony lesion was commonly observed for cemento-ossifying fibroma (n = 60/77), followed by cemento-osseous dysplasia (n = 23/135). Predominant ossification patterns showed some differences among the groups. The most common radiological feature was the mixed radiolucent/radiopaque internal structure. CONCLUSION: Our results document various clinical, radiological and histopathologic findings of BFOLs. Even some histopathologic differences are observed, clinical and radiographic correlation is mandatory prior to the definitive histopathologic diagnosis of BFOLs for the prevention of possible misdiagnoses or inappropriate treatments.

Concomitant bilateral mandibular cemento-ossifying fibroma and cementoblastoma: case report of an extremely rare occurrence.

BACKGROUND: Cemento-ossifying fibroma (COF) and cementoblastoma (CB) are rare benign odontogenic tumors with a predilection for the mandible. Cemento-ossifying fibroma is a fibro-osseous lesion that originates in the tooth bearing areas of jaw and shows cementum-like tissue in a fibrotic stroma. Cementoblastoma is classically related to roots of teeth with the presence of calcified cementum-like material. To date, only a single case of concomitant unilateral COF and CB has been reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: We present an unusual case of a 37-year-old female who presented with two discrete bilateral swellings in the right and left mandible for 10 years. The larger tumor involved the left posterior mandible with extension anteriorly to the left and right anterior mandibles, and the smaller tumor was present in right posterior mandible. Radiology revealed two distinct lesions involving both sides of mandible. Histopathological examination showed characteristic features of cemento-ossifying fibroma in sections of the larger tumor and cementoblastoma in sections of smaller tumor. CONCLUSION: This case shows the very unique bilateral co-existence of COF and CB, the second case reported in literature to date.

Surgical management of ossifying fibroma in the maxilla and its challenges associated with an immediate reconstructive approach with autogenous graft, an unusual case report / Manejo quirúrgico del fibroma osificante en el maxilar y sus desafíos asociados con un enfoque reconstructivo inmediato con el injerto autógeno, un informe de caso inusual

Ossifying Fibroma is a gingival mass in which calcified foci are found. It is a nodular lesion that involves the inserted and interdental gum. There is a predilection for the female sex and for the anterior region of the maxilla. This work aims to report the surgical management of a Ossifying Fibroma in the maxilla and the immediate reconstructive with autogenous graft. Female patient, in the third decade of life, presenting Ossifying Fibroma in the region between maxillary incisors and premolars. She was treated surgically by means of marginal resection of the lesion under general anesthesia and immediate reconstruction with autologous iliac crest graft. Followed up for 12 months with no signs of recurrence.

El Fibroma osificante es una masa gingival en la que se encuentran focos calcificados. Es una lesión nodular que involucra la encía adherida e interdentaria. Hay una predilección por el sexo femenino y por la región anterior del maxilar. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo informar sobre el manejo quirúrgico de un fibroma osificante periférico en el maxilar y su reconstrucción inmediata con injerto autógeno. Paciente de sexo femenino, en la tercera década de vida, presenta un Fibroma osificante en la región entre incisivos maxilares y premolares. Fue tratada quirúrgicamente por medio de una resección marginal de la lesión bajo anestesia general y reconstrucción inmediata con injerto de cresta ilíaca autóloga. Seguimiento durante 12 meses sin signos de recurrencia.

Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia: A case report.

Cemento-osseous dysplasia is non-neoplastic, reactive fibro-osseous lesions that affect the tooth-bearing areas of the jaws. Osseous dysplasia is further divided into three subtypes: Periapical osseous dysplasia, focal osseous dysplasia, and florid osseous dysplasia. We hereby, present a case of florid cemento-osseous dysplasia occurring in a 40-year old dentulous Indian woman. The patient presented with lesions involving the mandibular right and left quadrant.

[A painful periapical radiopacity in the lower jaw]. / Een pijnlijke periapicale radiopaciteit in de onderkaak.

A periapical radiopacity is frequently encountered by chance on a conventional periapical or panoramic x-ray. However, local pain and/or swelling in the area of a radiopacity is seldom seen. Here, we report on 2 cases of patients referred to the oral and maxillofacial surgeon with a painful periapical radiopacity in the lower jaw. The clinically and radiologically assumed diagnosis was a cementoblastoma, which was confirmed by histopathological examination following its surgical removal. A cementoblastoma is a rare, benign odontogenic tumor, mostly found in patients younger than 30. Treatment consists of surgical removal of the tumor, almost always together with the attached tooth. The recurrence rate after complete removal is approximately 12%. A cementoblastoma is clinically distinguished from other periapical radiopacities by local pain and sometimes swelling and radiologically by a relationship with the roots of a (pre)molar, a radiolucent rim surrounding the opacity, bone and/or root resorption and expansive growth.

Specific oral and maxillofacial identifiers in panoramic radiographs used for human identification.

Radiographically assisted dental identification is an important means for individual identification. Specific identifiers help to quickly filter some of the possible corresponding AM and PM images at the beginning. The study seeks specific oral and maxillofacial identifiers in panoramic radiographs. A total of 920 panoramic radiographs from 460 live patients were used. The most recent radiograph served as the surrogate post-mortem (PM) record of an unidentified person, and the earliest radiograph served as the ante-mortem (AM) record of the same person. We evaluated the following four groups of identifiers of the images: (1) dental morphology, tooth number, and position; (2) dental treatment and pathology; (3) morphological identifiers of the jaw; and (4) pathological identifiers of the jaw. The ratio of each identifier being identified simultaneously in the AM and PM databases was determined. Specific identifiers were defined as those that appeared at low frequency (ratio: 0%-0.250%). A total of 18 specific oral and maxillofacial identifiers were determined. The specific identifiers were a retained deciduous tooth (0.011%), S-shaped deflection of a tooth root (0.012%), distal deflection of tooth root (0.017%), inverted impaction (0.018%), malposition (0.038%), supernumerary teeth (0.061%), mesial deflection of tooth root (0.092%), microdontia (0.136%), buccal/lingual impaction (0.188%), cementoma (0.002%), hypercementosis (0.002%), continuous crown (0.004%), pulp calcification (0.023%), attrition (0.030%), residual root (0.106%), root resorption (0.137%), implant (0.156%), and osteomyelitis (0.002%). Identifiers of the teeth and jaw can be used for human identification, and dental identifiers are more specific than identifiers of jaw.

Cemento-ossifying Fibroma of Mandible: A Case Report with Review of Literature

ABSTRACT Cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD) is a non-neoplastic process usually confined to the tooth-bearing areas of the jaws or edentulous alveolar processes. It is mostly seen in women during the third and fourth decades of life. The mandible is the most common location in 70% of cases in the premolar-molar region. This case report presents a case of cemento-ossifying fibroma with clinical features and radiographic features in a 23-year-old female patient.

Abordagem cirúrgica conservadora de fibroma ossificante em localização atípica da mandíbula: relato de caso / Conservative surgical approach of ossifying fibroma in atypical location of the jaw: case report

O fibroma ossificante (FO) é uma neoplasia fibro-óssea benigna da região craniofacial de origem odontogênica, formado a partir de células mesenquimais multipotentes do ligamento periodontal, as quais são capazes de formar osso, tecido fibroso e cemento. Acredita-se que exodontias prévias, infecções, trauma ou uma perturbação de origem congênita na maturação óssea poderiam servir como fatores predisponentes para o desenvolvimento do FO. Radiograficamente, as lesões de FO iniciais são representadas por uma imagem radiolúcida, unilocular, redonda ou oval, de margem bem circunscrita. No estágio tardio, o componente mineralizado é circundado por uma fina cápsula fibrosa representada por uma linha radiolúcida delgada, que envolve toda a lesão. O objetivo deste trabalho é discutir a abordagem cirúrgica de um FO localizado em região atípica da mandíbula. Relato de caso: paciente leucoderma, 18 anos de idade, sexo feminino, cursando com aumento de volume em região posterior mandibular direita. No exame de imagem, identificou-se uma lesão mista, bem definida, não corticalizada, medindo aproximadamente 3 cm x 2,5 cm. Após realização de biópsia incisional, confirmou-se o diagnóstico de FO. Sendo assim, optou-se pela curetagem acompanhada de uma osteotomia periférica da lesão e reabilitação da região com enxerto ósseo liofilizado, além da instalação de uma placa de reconstrução na base da mandíbula do sistema 2.4 mm. Considerações finais: É necessário ter conhecimento sobre as lesões de aspecto radiográfico misto, que podem fazer diagnóstico diferencial com o FO, para que possa ser realizada uma correta intervenção, visto que para cada lesão há uma abordagem diferente.(AU)

The ossifying fibroma (FO) is a benign fibro-osseous neoplasm of the craniofacial region of odontogenic origin, formed from multipotent mesenchymal cells of the periodontal ligament, which are capable of forming bone, fibrous tissue and cementum. It is believed that previous exodontia, infections, trauma or a disturbance of congenital origin in bone maturation could serve as predisposing factors for FO development. Radiographically, the initial FO lesions are represented by a radiolucent, unilocular, round or oval image with well circumscribed margin. In the late stage, the mineralized component is surrounded by a thin fibrous capsule represented by a thin radiolucent line, which surrounds the entire lesion. The objective of this work is to discuss the surgical approach of a FO located in the atypical region of the mandible. Case report: leucoderma patient, 18 years, female, it were possible to note a slight volume increase in the posterior mandible region. The imaging examination identified a mixed lesion, well defined, however non-corticalised, measuring about 3 cm x 2.5 cm. The patient was submitted to an incisional biopsy and the diagnosis of ossifying fibroma was confirmed. We opted for a curettage followed by a peripheral osteotomy of the lesion and rehabilitation of the region with lyophilized bovine bone graft, besides the installation of a rebuilding plate at the base of the mandible system 2.4mm. Final considerations: it is necessary to have knowledge about lesions of mixed radiographic appearance, which can make differential diagnosis with FO so that a correct intervention can be performed, since for each lesion we have a different approach.(AU)

Rehabilitación bucal después de la retirada de un fibroma cemento-osificante central / Oral rehabilitation after removal of a central cemento-ossifying fibroma

ABSTRACT Introduction: The cemento-ossifying fibroma is a benign bone neoplasm that affects mainly the female sex during the third or fourth decades of life. This lesion has a slow growth and the treatment is the surgical removal of the tumor, because radiotherapy is not indicated. Objective: to describe and discuss a case of central cemento-ossifying fibroma. Case report: A 41-year-old female patient sought dental treatment due to tooth mobility in the anterior region of the mandible. In this region of the mandible, an increase in volume was noted with a firm consistency on palpation, covered by normal mucosa, and displacement of teeth. Radiographically, the presence of an extensive lesion in this region was observed. An incisional biopsy was performed which led to the final diagnosis of central cemento-ossifying fibroma. Subsequently the tumor was completely removed. An autogenous bone graft was performed and four osseointegrated implants were installed to rehabilitate the patient. Implant-supported prostheses (lower arch) and a complete denture (upper arch) were installed to restore esthetics and function of the patient's oral cavity. Conclusion: Despite being a benign tumor, the central cemento-ossifying fibroma caused functional and aesthetic damage to the patient and required a complex rehabilitation treatment. After approximately 5 years of tumor removal, there was no recurrence of the lesion or signs of peri-implant or periodontal diseases, evidencing the success of the treatments(AU)

RESUMEN Introducción: El fibroma cemento-osificante es una neoplasia ósea benigna que afecta principalmente al sexo femenino durante la tercera o cuarta décadas de la vida. Esta lesión tiene un crecimiento lento y el tratamiento es la extirpación quirúrgica del tumor, porque la radioterapia no está indicada. Objetivo: Describir y analizar un caso de un fibroma cemento-osificante central. Presentación caso: Paciente de 41 años de edad buscó tratamiento dental debido a la movilidad dental en la región anterior de la mandíbula. En esta región de la mandíbula se observó un aumento de volumen con una consistencia firme a la palpación, cubierta por la mucosa normal y desplazamiento de los dientes. Radiográficamente, se observó la presencia de una lesión extensa en esta región. Se realizó una biopsia incisional, que indicó el diagnóstico final del fibroma cemento-osificante central. Después el tumor fue completamente extirpado. Se realizó un injerto óseo autógeno y, posteriormente, se instalaron cuatro implantes osteointegrados para rehabilitar al paciente. Se instalaron prótesis soportadas por implantes (arco inferior) y una dentadura (arco superior) para restablecer la estética y la función de la cavidad bucal de la paciente. Conclusiones: A pesar de ser un tumor benigno, el fibroma cemento-osificante central causó daños funcionales y estéticos al paciente y requirió un complejo tratamiento de rehabilitación. Después de 5 años de la extirpación del tumor, no hubo recurrencia de la lesión. Además, no hubo signos de enfermedades periimplantarias y/o periodontales, lo que demuestra el éxito del tratamiento(AU)

Retrospective Study of 383 Cases of Fibro-Osseous Lesions of the Jaws.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to describe the clinical and radiologic features of 383 fibro-osseous lesions (FOLs) from an oral pathology reference service in Brazil and to compare the findings with previous studies. The hypothesis of the study was that the most common type of FOL would differ from other investigations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive and retrospective study with review of the records of the clinical and biopsy services (1990 to 2015). All records of the patients included showed a definitive diagnosis of FOL. The primary outcome variable was the type of FOL, and the predictor variables were gender, age, ethnicity, location, and clinical and radiologic characteristics. Descriptive analyses and χ2 tests were performed. The P value was set at .05. RESULTS: From the 27,998 records available, 383 showed FOLs, with 187 (48.8%) being cemento-osseous dysplasias (CODs), 103 (26.9%) being fibrous dysplasias (FDs), and 93 (24.3%) being ossifying fibromas (OFs). The mean age of the patients was 38.5 ± 17.5 years. CODs presented a predilection for female gender (n = 314, 82.0%), African descent (n = 134, 71.6%), and the mandible (n = 248, 64.6%). The most common radiologic feature was a mixed radiolucent-radiopaque image (n = 149, 51.7%). FDs and OFs were commonly diagnosed during the first and second decades of life (P < .001), whereas CODs were more frequently diagnosed beyond the third decade (P < .001). Secondary osteomyelitis was more significantly observed in CODs (P < .001) than in FDs and OFs. Swelling was more frequently reported for FDs and OFs than for CODs (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: CODs were the most frequently observed FOLs in this Brazilian population. Female patients, patients of African descent, and patients with mandibular localization were most commonly affected by these conditions. The most common type of FOL differed from that in similar case reports or series from various geographic locations. It is believed that the data source (clinical and/or biopsy services) can directly influence the outcome.

Benign fibro-osseous lesion of the mandible in a Middle Bronze Age skeleton from Southern Russia.

A discrete dysplastic lesion of the mandible found in a skeleton of a young adult male of the Middle Bronze Age in the Northern Caucasus/Russia is described. The periapical lesion of the right lower canine alveolus was examined by digital microscopy, plain radiology, and plain and polarizing microscopy. Its macroscopic, radiologic and microscopic characteristics are discussed in reference to different fibro-osseous lesions arising from the odontogenic apparatus and maxillofacial skeleton. Periapical osseous dysplasia was considered to be the most likely diagnosis.

Cemento-Osseous Dysplasias: Imaging Features Based on Cone Beam Computed Tomography Scans

Abstract Imaging exams have important role in diagnosis of cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) stands out for allowing three-dimensional image evaluation. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of cases diagnosed as COD on CBCT scans, as well identify the main imaging features related to these lesions. An analysis was performed in a database containing 22,400 radiological reports, in which all cases showing some type of COD were initially selected. These CBCT exams were reevaluated to confirm the radiographic diagnosis and determine the prevalence and distribution of the types of COD with regard to gender, age and preferred location, while describing its most common imaging aspects. Data were presented using descriptive analyses. There were 82 cases diagnosed as COD in the CBCT images (prevalence of 0.4%). The distribution of patients was 11 (13.4%) male and 71 (86.6%) female, with a mean age of 49.8 years (age-range 17-85 years). There were 47 (57.3%) cases of periapical COD, 23 (28%) of focal COD and 12 (14.6%) of florid COD. The mandible was more affected than the maxilla. In most cases, the lesions were mixed or hyperdense. All COD had well-defined limits and there were no cases of tooth displacement. In conclusion, periapical COD was the most common type and the most affected bone was the mandible. Imaging evaluation is critical for diagnosis and dentists should bear in mind all possible radiographic presentations of COD in order to prevent misleading diagnoses and consequently, inadequate treatments.

Resumo Os exames por imagem têm papel importante no diagnóstico da displasia cemento-óssea (DCO). A tomografia computadorizada por feixe cônico (TCFC) se destaca por permitir a avaliação tridimensional da imagem. O objetivo neste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de casos diagnosticados como DCO nos exames de TCFC, bem como identificar as principais características de imagem relacionadas a essas lesões. Uma análise foi realizada em um banco de dados contendo 22.400 laudos radiológicos, no qual todos os casos que apresentavam algum tipo de DCO foram inicialmente selecionados. Estes exames foram reavaliados para confirmar o diagnóstico radiográfico e determinar a prevalência e distribuição dos tipos de DCO em relação ao sexo, idade e localização preferencial, além de descrever seus aspectos imaginológicos mais comuns. Os dados foram apresentados por meio de análise descritiva. Oitenta e dois casos foram diagnosticados como DCO nas imagens de TCFC (prevalência de 0,4%). A distribuição dos pacientes foi de 11 (13,4%) homens e 71 (86,6%) mulheres, com idade média de 49,8 anos (faixa etária de 17 a 85 anos). Houve 47 (57,3%) casos de DCO periapical, 23 (28%) de DCO focal e 12 (14,6%) de DCO florida. A mandíbula foi mais afetada que a maxila. Na maioria dos casos, as lesões foram mistas ou hiperdensas. Todas as DCO apresentaram limites bem definidos e não houve casos de deslocamento dentário. Em conclusão, a DCO periapical foi o tipo mais comum e o osso mais afetado foi a mandíbula. A avaliação da imagem é crítica para o seu diagnóstico e os dentistas devem ter em mente todas as possíveis apresentações radiográficas da DCO, a fim de prevenir diagnósticos enganosos e, conseqüentemente, tratamentos inadequados.

Protection of Inferior Alveolar Neurovascular Bundle in Alveolar Bone Operation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the protection of the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle in alveolar bone operation in conditions such as chronic osteomyelitis and cementoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study enrolled 7 cases, 4 with chronic osteomyelitis and 3 with cementoma with pain. Computed tomography scan and 3-dimensional reconstruction were performed for the diseases. Data were processed by ProPlan CMF 1.3 software. The edge of lesion was defined and the inferior alveolar nerve was marked. Template was designed to guide the osteotomy line. Piezosurgery was used for osteotomy, with the avoidance of nerve canal. Current perception threshold (CPT) was performed to evaluate the nerve function after operation. RESULTS: The CPT difference of the affected side before and after operation showed no statistically significant differences compared with that of the unaffected side (P = 0.0556). CONCLUSIONS: Digital template protects the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle with the aid of piezosurgery during alveolar bone resection, which obtained satisfying clinical results. As powerful assistive tools of functional surgery, digital template and piezosurgery achieve both the purposes of treatment and function.