Stafne Bone Defect in Anterior Mandible

Abstract

Summary Backround/Aim: Stafne bone cavity which is also known as lingual mandibular bone defect is generally seen in the posterior region of the mandible. Stafne bone defects of the anterior mandible are very rare, with around 50 cases reported in the English literature. They are generally asymptomatic and incidental lesion findings may be diagnosed during a radiographic examination. Case Report: A 59 year-old female patient was examined for dental complaints. Panoramic radiography revealed a unilocular lesion at the left incisor- premolar area. Dental volumetric tomography scans showed a concavity at the lingual side of the related area. Magnetic resonance imaging was suggested for possible soft tissue pathology and, depending on MRI finding, the cavity was initially diagnosed as Stafne bone defect. Conclusion: The aim of this case report is to describe an unusually located Stafne bone cavity with special emphasis to the need of using special imaging modalities.