• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.413-420
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• 2011

Garre's osteomyelitis is associated with bacterial infection and bone necrosis resulting from obstruction of blood supply. The most common cause for Garre's osteomyelitis is odontogenic infection that originates from periodontal tissue or dental pulp. Subperiosteal abscess may also cause Garre's osteomyelitis in the progress of the infection. Mandible is more often affected than maxilla, most commonly in the permanent first molar region of mandible. Clinically, it results in a hard swelling over the jaw, producing facial asymmetry. Meanwhile, radiograph shows a characteristic feature of irregular pulpal cavity, showing new periosteal proliferation located in successive layers to the condensed cortical bone on stimulated site. The treatment method for Garre's osteomyelitis are removal of the infection source, root canal treatment, antibiotic medication, and incision and drainage. This report presents a case of Garre's osteomyelitis under 15 years old. The patient was successfully treated by antibiotic medication accompanied with root canal treatment. Since the symptom of pediatric patients is less severe than adult, careful diagnosis with history taking and clinical examination is necessary. Furthermore long-term follow-up examination is needed to prevent recurrence even after the symptom disapears.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.688-696
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• 1996

Garre's osteomyelitis is a unique form of osteomyelitis characterized rediographically by localized thickening of the periosteum and deposition of laminated subperiosteal bone. The most common inciting factor is a mandibular infection in permanent first molar with necrotic pulp. This disease occurs primarily in children and to date in all instances it has occured only in mandible. It usually results in hard swelling over the jaws, producing facial asymmetry with little or no pain. The overlying skin is normal but can occasionally be inflammed mostly when pain is present. Palpation reveals a usually smooth, bone-hard lesion which feel like an inherent part of the mandible. Unlike other forms of osteomyelitis, there is no marked increase in fever, white bloods cell count, sedimentation rate or alkaline phosphatase value. The treatment of Garre's osteomyelitis usually consist of elimination of the sourses of infection, i.e., either extration of an offending infected teeth or root canal therapy. This treatment almost always results in resolution of the Garre's osteomyelitis. Resistant cases have involved secondary surgery, i.e., decortication and sequestrectomy. This report presents three cases of Garre's osteomyelitis resolved by endodontic treatment. Cliniqtl examination revealed swelling on the face with no tenderness. Periapical radiograph showed deep caries lesion extending into pulp chamber and periapical radiolucency. Occlusal radiograph showed an enlargement of bone and stretching the periosteum. A clinical diagnosis of the Garre's osteomyelitis was made. Endodontic treatment was accomplished with conventional method and restored facial symmetry. Long-term check-ups are necessary to evaluate the results of endodontic treatment.