The pathogenesis of odontogenic cysts: a review

The pathogenesis of the three common forms of odontogenic cyst is discussed. It is concluded that the dental cyst arises from proliferation of the epithelial rests of Malassez in a focus of inflammation stimulated by pulpal necrosis of the associated tooth. It enlarges by unicentric expansion from the hydrostatis pressure of its contents. The dentigerous cyst arises from pooling of inflammatory exudate, which is derived from the obstructed follicular veins of an unerupted tooth and accumulates between the reduced enamel epithelium and the crown of the tooth. It enlarges by unicentric expansion from the hydrostatic pressure of its contents. The odontogenic keratocyst arises by proliferation of the residues of the dental lamina, possibly as a hamartomatous abnormality. It enlarges by both multicentric expansion due to the proliferation of localized groups of epithelial cells in the lining and by unicentric expansion from the hydrostatic pressure of its contents.