Cone-beam CT diagnosis of cosmetic filler-induced bone resorption mimicking a cyst: A case report

With the rise in facial cosmetic procedures, dental practitioners are increasingly encountering incidental radiographic findings attributable to dermal fillers. In particular, fillers injected in the anterior mandible may manifest as well-defined radiolucent area on panoramic radiographs, potentially mimicking cystic lesions. This report presents a case in which a radiolucent lesion observed in the mandible on panoramic imaging was initially suspected to be intraosseous. However, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) revealed the lesion to be extraosseous in nature, representing labial cortical bone resorption associated with cosmetic filler injection. The initial imaging appearance suggested a pathologic entity, but CBCT was instrumental in clarifying the diagnosis and excluding odontogenic lesion. Filler-induced bone resorption can closely resemble true pathological lesions, posing a risk of misdiagnosis. Comprehensive patient history taking, combined with advanced imaging such as CBCT, is essential for accurate diagnosis. Awareness of filler-related complications helps prevent misdiagnosis.