The dentigerous cyst: two different treatment options illustrated by two cases

The dentigerous cyst is the second most frequent odontogenic cyst after the radicular one. Typically, dentigerous cysts are asymptomatic and are commonly diagnosed incidentally. Due to the slow, expansive growth dentigerous cysts have the potential for dislocation of adjacent structures (neighbouring teeth, canalis retromolaris), root resorptions and in an extreme case could cause jaw fractures. A histological examination represents a sine qua non, because other more alarming pathologies (odontogenic keratocyst, unicystic ameloblastoma, myxoma, primordial odontogenic tumour etc.) can exhibit clinically and radiologically a similar appearance. This brief overview aims to illustrate, by two clinical cases, the examination, the diagnosis and decision-making for either a cystostomy or a cystectomy. The surgical procedure of both techniques is presented in a step-by-step manner.