Cone beam tomography evaluation of lingual cortical mandibular defect diagnosed as Stafne bone cavity

Abstract

Introduction: Mandibular lingual bone depressions are considered tobe developmental anomalies known as Stafne bone cavity. The purposeof the present report is to describe the characteristics of classic Stafnebone cavity in molar region evaluated by cone beam computedtomography (CBCT). Case report: A male patient, 27 years old, wassubmitted to CBCT to evaluation of the relation between the right lowerthird molar roots and mandibular canal and the unilateral cystic imagefound in the panoramic radiographic below the mandibular canal in theright molar area. It was used a gray scale of 12 bits and voxel of 0.2 mm. The CBCT showed fine images of the Stafne bone cavity. In the presentcase, periodic clinical and radiological controls were the therapeuticoption. In atypical cases or in doubtful diagnosis, surgical interventionand anatomopathological examination may be indicated. Conclusion:Although the diagnosis of a Stafne bone cavity can often be establishedwith plain radiographs, confirmatory tests are sometimes required. Inthese situations, the diagnosis can be confirmed with CBCT.