Statistical observations on jaw cysts in Enugu, Nigeria, 1987-1996

Cases of jaw cysts treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu during the 10 year period between 1987 and 1996 were studied clinically. A diagnosis of jaw cyst was established in 20 patients during the above period. According to pathological classification by the WHO method, these patients included 10 (50%) with dentigerous cyst, 3 (15%) with radicular cyst, 3 (15%) with odontogenic keratocyst, 3 (15%) with fissural cyst (nasopalatine duct cyst, nasoalveolar cyst, globulomaxillary cyst), 1 (5%) with dermoid cyst. Patients with dentigerous cyst, which was found at relatively high frequency, were further analyzed with regard to age, sex, and anatomical distribution. Among patients with dentigerous cyst, those aged between 21 and 40 years accounted for 60%. Males outnumbered females in a ratio of 1.5:1. Dentigerous cyst occurred most frequently in the region of the mandibular wisdom teeth. The relatively very small number of cases, the need for more research on the subject and the need to educate the general public on oral hygiene are highlighted.