Stafne defect

The Stafne defect is a depression of the mandible (jawbone), most commonly located on the lingual surface (the side nearest the tongue). The Stafne defect is thought to be a normal anatomical variant, as the depression is created by ectopic salivary gland tissue associated with the submandibular gland and does not represent a pathologiclesion as such. This cavity is commonly observed on panoramic radiograph.