The buccal bifurcation cyst: a prospective study of treatment outcomes in 44 sites

The clinical, radiographic, and histologic features of the mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst were studied to further define this lesion. The treatment and outcomes were also analyzed.

This prospective study, which spanned 3 years, included 32 patients. Their ages ranged from 5.5 to 11 years (mean of 7.5). A total of 44 buccal bifurcation cysts were treated solely with enucleation, and patients were followed up for 2.5 to 3 years.

All lesions were located at the buccal bifurcation of the mandibular first molar. Tilting of the buccal cusps, causing prominence of the lingual cusps, occurred in 75% of the cases. The lesion extended from the buccal bifurcation to the tooth apex in 81.2%, and a periosteal reaction on the lateral surface of the mandible adjacent to the cyst was noted in 68.8% of the cases. All of the 44 histologic reports were nonspecific, but showed a cyst lining of stratified squamous epithelium with chronic inflammation. Microbiology consisted of mixed oral flora. Complete radiographic healing in all sites without recurrence was noted in 2.5-year follow-up. The periodontal pocket depth around all the involved teeth was normalized. No loss of the mandibular first molars occurred.

The mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst is a distinct site-specific and age-specific clinical entity treatable by enucleation without tooth extraction.