Sclerosing lesions are typically detected as incidental findings during radiographic examinations. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of condensing osteitis (CO) and idiopathic osteosclerosis (IO) in Bhopal population sample. A retrospective study was performed using orthopantomograms of 1217 patients. Descriptive characteristics of radiopacities, including size, shape, localization, side of jaw, tooth status and dental relationship were recorded and χ2-test was used for statistical analysis. A total of 123 radiopacities were identified; 77 IO lesions and 46 CO lesions. Both lesions were found to be higher in number, among females. The frequency for both lesions was significantly higher in the age group 20-39 years. Results indicated a low prevalence of IO and CO in Bhopal population. The findings support the theory that IO lesions are developmental variants of normal bone architecture unrelated to local stimuli, whereas CO lesions could be considered reactive formations related to teeth with deep caries, large restoration, or treated root canal.
