Mandibular Lesions

Abstract

The mandible is a physiologically complex bone that plays a role in phonation, mastication, and jaw stability. It is a strong flat bone that serves as an anchor for the lower dentition and an attachment site for masticator muscles and facial muscles. The mandible is composed of multiple bony segments including a U-shaped body segment that fuses in the anterior midline at the symphysis menti and extends posteriorly to the vertical ramus segments. Each ramus connects to the body through the angle. The ramus extends cranially to form the coronoid process and mandibular condyle, which are separated by the mandibular notch. The mandibular condyle articulates with the temporal bone at the glenoid fossa forming the temporomandibular joint. The outer cortical bone of the mandible is known as the buccal surface, and the inner cortex is known as the lingual surface. Between the two cortices, there is trabecular bone and the alveolar canal, which carries the mandibular nerves. The mandible is a common site for more than 30 different lesions.1 Multiple lesion classifications have been proposed, including classifications based on origin (odontogenic vs. nonodontogenic); location; appearance (cystic vs. solid); or pathology. Understanding all of the mentioned classifications is by far the best approach to appreciate the complex overlapping pathologies.