DENTIGEROUS CYST TRANSFORMATION TO AMELOBLASTOMA

Introduction. A dentigerous cyst ( DC) appears surrounding the crown of an included tooth. On radiographic examination, a well-defined radiolucent rounded lesion can be observed, attached to the crown of an unerupted tooth. Clinically, it can be observed as a round swelling that could expand the buccal bone plate of the mandible. Usually, the mandibular third molar is the most common tooth that presents a dentigerous cyst; however, in children, the mandibular second premolar is found to be present consistently. There are multiple treatment modalities for treating DC. Enucleation with the extraction of the affected permanent tooth used to be the first treatment choice, especially with limited cystic size. Moreover, marsupialisation or decompression is a treatment approach with extensive cyst size or when the cyst is in a close approximation to a nerve or to other vital structures. Materials and methods. This study reports a clinical case, along with a literature review of recent evidence, and discusses the management protocols implemented for treating DC. Results and discussion. Complete enucleation of the cystic lesion with preservation of the affected permanent tooth is conducted to establish spontaneous complete eruption. Conclusions. Enucleation of the cyst and preservation of the affected permanent tooth can be achieved, offering some advantages over marsupialisation (decompression).