Which is a treatment option for condensing osteitis when symptomatic?

• A. Endontics or extraction
• B. Removal of inflammatory etiology if symptomatic
• C. Pocket elimination
• D. Monitor if asymptomatic

Answer: (B)

Condensing osteitis is the bone’s sclerotic response to ongoing, localized inflammation around a tooth. When symptoms are present, the priority is to remove the inflammatory etiology turning on that response, which means treating the affected tooth to eliminate the source of infection—typically through endodontic therapy or extraction. By removing the stimulus, the bone can remodel and heal, rather than just watching or addressing unrelated issues. Monitoring is reserved for asymptomatic cases, and procedures aimed at periodontal pockets don’t address a periapical inflammatory lesion.