Management of radicular cyst associated with primary teeth using decompression: a retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Oral Surgery
• Dental Radiology

Background:

• Radicular cysts originating from primary teeth are uncommon occurrences.
• Standard treatments for odontogenic cysts include enucleation, marsupialization, and decompression.
• Decompression is a widely utilized clinical method known for its efficacy in managing various cysts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of the decompression technique in reducing the size of radicular cysts associated with primary teeth in pediatric patients.
• To evaluate the clinical outcomes and impact on succedaneous teeth following decompression treatment.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of pediatric cases involving radicular cysts treated with decompression.
• Analysis of clinical and radiological data, comparing pre- and post-treatment measurements.
• Evaluation of cyst size reduction rates and the eruption status and root development of permanent successor teeth.

Main Results:

• Twenty-three patients with 25 radicular cysts were analyzed; all cysts showed reduction in size after 2-10 months of decompression.
• The mean reduction rate was 0.77 cm²/month, with significantly higher rates observed in larger cysts (>3.5 cm²).
• All affected permanent teeth erupted post-treatment, though 46% exhibited root development issues.

Conclusions:

• Decompression is a superior, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for radicular cysts in primary teeth.
• The technique demonstrates significant cyst size reduction, particularly in larger lesions.
• While promoting eruption of permanent teeth, potential root development complications require monitoring.