Among purulent-necrotic processes in the jaws, odontogenic osteomyelitis occurs in most cases in comparison with posttraumatic and hematogenic osteomyelitis. A separate group of jaw lesions consists of radiation, bisphosphonate and phosphoric necrosis, which at the stage of joining the inflammation have x-ray manifestations of the osteomyelitic process.

X-ray semiotics of osteomyelitis of the jaws is diverse. X-ray features of osteomyelitis depend on the etiology, stage of course and form of the bone inflammatory process. X-ray diagnosis of osteomyelitis should be carried out taking into account the history of the disease and identifying factors that contribute to their development.

Since orthopantomography does not provide comprehensive information about the state of the dental system, this technique can be considered as a method of primary detection of osteomyelitis of the jaws. At the next stage of diagnosis, it is advisable to use a CT scan, especially for lesions of the upper jaw with spread to other facial bones.