A Three-Dimensional Study of Bone Gain Following Decompression of Benign Osteolytic Odontogenic Lesions: A Report of Ten Cases

Introduction: Benign odontogenic lesions present with variable radiographic features, ranging from osteocondensing to osteolytic forms. Osteolytic forms can grow to a considerable size, causing aesthetic and/or functional impairment. The therapeutic approach involving decompression allows for bone gain. The need for knowledge regarding bone gain following the placement of a decompression drain prompted this study. The aim of this study was to perform a three-dimensional analysis of the bone gain achieved following the placement of a decompression drain in the treatment of benign osteolytic odontogenic lesions. Materials and Methods: The study involved 10 patients who underwent cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans before and after the placement of a decompression drain, using 3D Slicer software to calculate bone gain following segmentation. Results: The mean bone volume before decompression was 31907.23 ± 11642.59 and the mean bone volume after decompression was 40177.66 ± 1680.33. The bone gain achieved after decompression was greater in women than in men. A decompression period of 6 to 10 months appears to be optimal for achieving greater bone gain. Discussion: Decompression is a conservative technique that promotes a reduction in lesion volume through bone regrowth in the management of benign osteolytic odontogenic lesions. Conclusion: The 3D segmentation used in this study enabled an assessment of bone gain following decompression of benign osteolytic odontogenic lesions. The follow-up period required for optimal bone gain following the placement of a decompression drain was 6 to 10 months in this study.