Natural history of florid osseous dysplasia of the jaws with important clinical implications.

Osseous dysplasia (OD) is the most common fibro-osseous lesion of the jaws. A number of cases of florid osseous dysplasia (FOD) have been described; however, to our knowledge none have shown radiographic disease progression for a single case involving multiple regions of the jaws over an extended period of time. This report presents the 18-year history and radiographic disease progression of a patient diagnosed with FOD demonstrating progression from the osteolytic phase through the osteoblastic phase and to maturation phase at different intervals. Additionally, it outlines the importance of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in diagnostic workup to avoid unnecessary and invasive treatment such as bone biopsy, endodontic treatment or tooth extraction due to misdiagnosis of FOD. Dental practitioners should establish a correct diagnosis themselves by making use of important clinical and radiographic cues such as tooth vitality of affected teeth, or by referral to an appropriate specialist before commencing irreversible dental treatment.