Definition: A cyst that forms lateral to the root of a vital tooth, often discovered as an incidental finding.
Radiographic Features:
- Location:
- Mandible: Most common between lateral incisor and second premolar
- Maxilla: Most common near lateral incisor
- Edge: Well-defined, corticated
- Shape: Round to ovoid
- Internal structure: Radiolucent, unilocular
- Other:
- Typically less than 1 cm in diameter
- May obliterate lamina dura of adjacent teeth
- Can displace or resorb adjacent teeth if enlarged
- Number: Typically single, uncommonly multiple
Key points:
- Usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally
- Multilocular variant is called botryoid odontogenic cyst
- Associated tooth remains vital
- Rare compared to other odontogenic cysts
Clinical significance:
- Generally does not require treatment if asymptomatic and small
- Larger cysts may need surgical enucleation
- Differentiate from other radiolucent lesions (e.g., odontogenic keratocyst)
- Follow-up recommended to monitor for recurrence or enlargement
Note: Vitality testing of adjacent teeth is crucial for diagnosis, as it helps differentiate lateral periodontal cysts from radicular cysts or other inflammatory lesions.