[Threedimensional reconstruction of odontogenic cysts and their relationship to teeth and bone (author's transl)]

This study reports on the first time three-dimensional presentation of odontogenic cysts demonstrated by means of a simple histological method. Histological sections of biopsy material having been embedded in paraffin were projected on cardboard. After the projections had been cut out, the single parts were arranged in a way to form a three-dimensional model. Radicular cysts are monolocular and exhibit a smooth surface. The individual cyst is surrounded unilaterally by epithelial cell remnants of Malassez opposite to the adhering tooth. The bone shows a reactive-inflammatory transformation. Keratocysts occur in connection with the Gorlin-Goltz-syndrome and reveal a primary multiple structure. Smaller cysts have a round and smooth appearance, whereas the larger ones show an irregular surface. Satellite cysts of various sizes which develop in the adjacent areas are connected with the primary cyst. We are therefore dealing with two different types of cysts: with monolocular cysts which show a complex network and are connected with satellite cysts on the one hand, and, on the other, with additional multiple cast systems including monolocular and multilocular cysts of various sizes. The surrounding bone shows the characteristics of compression atrophy rather than signs of an inflammation.