Inflammatory Dentigerous Cyst in a 10-year-old Child Treated by Marsupialization: A Case Report

Abstract

Aim: To describe the successful eruption of an unerupted premolar associated with a dentigerous cyst without the use of any appliances. Background: Inflammatory dentigerous cyst is a variant of dentigerous cyst occurring in the mixed dentition due to stimulation of the reduced enamel epithelium of a developing permanent tooth by periapical inflammation from its carious, nonvital deciduous precursor. Marsupialization is the preferred treatment to preserve the permanent tooth. Case description: A 10-year-old patient presented to us with a well-defined, tender swelling involving the left mandibular body with buccal cortical expansion. Following imaging, marsupialization was performed involving wide excision of the alveolar mucosa overlying the region along with the cystic lining. At follow-up, spontaneous eruption of permanent teeth into occlusion was noted. Conclusion: This suggests that marsupialization along the crest may allow for successful eruption of the associated permanent teeth with the resolution of the cyst. Clinical significance: Marsupialization along the crest provides a conservative option that allows spontaneous, unassisted eruption of permanent teeth in cases of inflammatory dentigerous cysts. Careful preoperative assessments must be used to make treatment decisions. The successful eruption of permanent teeth and the total resolution of the disease both depend on adequate follow-up.