Dentigerous cyst

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Dentigerous cyst
Synonyms	Follicular cyst
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Swelling, pain, displacement of teeth
Complications	Infection, resorption of adjacent teeth, pathological fracture
Onset	Usually in the second or third decade of life
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Developmental, associated with unerupted teeth
Risks	Impacted teeth, especially third molars
Diagnosis	Radiograph, CT scan, MRI, Biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Odontogenic keratocyst, Ameloblastoma, Radicular cyst
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Surgical removal, marsupialization
Medication	Antibiotics if infected
Prognosis	Good with treatment
Frequency	Common in young adults
Deaths	N/A

Relative incidence of odontogenic cysts

Histopathology of dentigerous cyst

A dentigerous cyst or follicular cyst is a type of odontogenic cyst associated with the crown of an unerupted or developing tooth. The cyst forms when the reduced enamel epithelium, a cellular structure involved in tooth development, becomes entrapped between the crown and the surrounding tissue. Dentigerous cysts are the second most common type of odontogenic cyst, after radicular cysts.

Etiology

The exact cause of dentigerous cysts is unknown, but they are thought to arise from the accumulation of fluid between the reduced enamel epithelium and the crown of an unerupted tooth. This can occur as a result of inflammation, trauma, or unknown reasons. Dentigerous cysts are most commonly associated with the third molars, or wisdom teeth, but can occur with any tooth that is unerupted or developing.

Clinical Features

Dentigerous cysts are often asymptomatic and are usually discovered during routine dental radiographs. When symptoms do occur, they can include pain, swelling, or a noticeable mass in the mouth. In some cases, the cyst can cause the displacement of the associated tooth or adjacent teeth.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a dentigerous cyst is usually made based on the clinical and radiographic features. On a dental radiograph, the cyst appears as a well-defined, radiolucent (dark) area surrounding the crown of an unerupted tooth. The diagnosis can be confirmed by histopathological examination of the cyst after surgical removal.

Treatment

The treatment for a dentigerous cyst is usually surgical removal of the cyst, along with the associated unerupted tooth. In some cases, the tooth may be left in place and the cyst is drained and treated with a procedure called marsupialization. Following treatment, regular follow-up is necessary to monitor for recurrence.

Prognosis

The prognosis for dentigerous cysts is generally good, with a low rate of recurrence after treatment. However, in rare cases, dentigerous cysts can give rise to more serious conditions, such as ameloblastoma or squamous cell carcinoma.

See Also

• Odontogenic cyst
• Radicular cyst
• Ameloblastoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma

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