A comparative study of the gingival and lateral periodontal cysts

The object of this study is to separate the gingival and the lateral periodontal cysts of adults using both clinical and histological features. It involved an investigation of 2 cases from each category. The distinguishing clinical feature was the ability to determine the involvement of the periodontal ligament at surgical exploration. The histological feature of note was the presence of plaque-like lining elevations in the lateral periodontal cyst. These appeared to be due to an oedematous change in the true intra-bony cyst lining, perhaps occurring during the process of cyst expansion.