Spontaneous eruption of a canine after marsupialization of an infected dentigerous cyst

A dentigerous cyst is the most common developmental odontogenic cyst. It is a benign and asymptomatic intraosseous lesion that affects the bones of the maxillofacial complex, interfering with tooth eruption. This article reports the spontaneous eruption of a canine after marsupialization of an infected dentigerous cyst and extraction of the deciduous teeth. A radiograph showed a large cyst with a radiolucent area involving the mandibular left deciduous canine and first molar, and the permanent canine and first premolar. Although enucleation is the treatment of choice, marsupialization is the best option for large cysts involving an unerupted permanent tooth, as in this case. The patient was followed for 1 year, and eruption of the permanent canine and first premolar and gradual reduction of the radiolucent area were observed. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2010;137:690-3)