Role of decompression in pediatric mandibular odontogenic keratocyst

Special care is required for the management of jaw lesions in pediatric population. The following article describes the decompression technique as the least aggressive approach for the management of pediatric mandibular odontogenic keratocyst. A custom-made acrylic splint was fabricated around teeth, and it was attached to a piece of Foley's catheter to be used as a decompression port. Subsequent radiographs revealed a decrease in the size of radiolucency, bone formation, and eruption of permanent premolars during a time period of 1 year only. This technique prevents damage to permanent tooth buds, vital anatomic structures like inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle, and fracture of bone which may occur with other common techniques of management of odontogenic keratocyst.