The aim of this study was to describe a series with 66 cases of infected cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD) and to discuss the demographic distribution, clinicoradiographic features and treatment of this condition. A study looking back on the diagnoses made at a single Brazilian centre within a 28-year timeframe was performed. A literature review with searches across five databases was also conducted to identify reports on osteomyelitis/infected COD. Descriptive and statistical analyses were performed. The case series study showed a female/male ratio of 21:1. Affected individuals' mean age was 57.4 years. Mandible was the most affected site (95.5%) and florid subtype was the most frequent infected COD (62.1%). Tooth extraction was the main factor associated with the development of infection associated within a COD lesion. The literature review retrieved 30 studies reporting 46 cases of this condition. Asian women in their 40 s and 50 s were more affected. Surgery for removal/curettage of necrotic bone was acknowledged as an appropriate approach to the treatment of this infection. The clinicodemographic data of the study were similar to data collected across the literature. Clinicians, maxillofacial surgeons and oral rehabilitation providers should be alert to the diagnosis of COD, since infection is a frequent complication whose management is challenging.
Keywords: Bone diseases; Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia; Infection; Oral diagnosis; Oral medicine; Osteomyelitis.