Mandibular Right Premolar Periapical 642b361c36443

Pathology case: Incidental finding requires surgical excision

March 22, 2023
This cyst is typically asymptomatic and an incidental finding. It has a male predilection with a mean age of 50.

Editor's note: Originally published August 4, 2015. Updated March 22, 2023

Case presentation and exam

A 53-year-old male presents as a new patient wanting to find a new dentist in the area, as he had recently moved. He had no current complaints with his teeth.

A complete mouth series was made with an incidental, well-defined, circular, radiolucent area noted between the roots of the mandibular right canine and first premolar.

The patient's health history was unremarkable.

Diagnosis

Differential interpretation

  • Lateral rarefying osteitis (abscess, cyst, and/or granuloma)
  • Lateral periodontal cyst
  • Keratocystic odontogenic tumor/odontogenic keratocyst

Final diagnosis: Lateral periodontal cyst

Discussion

Basic information on lateral periodontal cysts—

For lateral periodontal cysts, there is a male predilection with a mean age of 50 years. They are typically asymptomatic and incidental findings. They are most commonly found between the lateral incisor and second premolar (mandible) and lateral incisor region (maxilla). The cyst appears as a well-defined, round/ovoid radiolucent entity. It may obliterate the lamina dura of adjacent teeth. As it enlarges, it may cause displacement and/or resorption of adjacent teeth. It is frequently single, but may be multiple. The size is typically less than 1 cm in diameter.

Differential interpretation includes keratocystic odontogenic tumor and lateral rarefying osteitis. Lateral rarefying osteitis will be associated with a nonvital tooth. The only way to determine the difference between a lateral periodontal cyst and a keratocystic odontogenic tumor is with histopathological diagnosis. Treatment is surgical excision.

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About the Author

Shawneen M. Gonzalez, DDS, MS, Diplomate ABOMR

Shawneen M. Gonzalez, DDS, MS, Diplomate ABOMR, received her dental degree from the University of Washington School of Dentistry and her oral and maxillofacial radiology certificate and MS in stomatology from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. She is the course director of several clinical and didactic oral radiology courses for residents and dental students and the creator of an informational oral radiology website where she educates dental professionals around the world.