A dentigerous cyst associated with bilaterally impacted mandibular canines in a girl: a case report

Shawneen M Gonzalez,Peter J Giannini,Peter M Spalding,Jeffrey B Payne

doi:10.1186/1752-1947-5-230

Abstract

IntroductionA dentigerous cyst is the most common developmental odontogenic cyst and is frequently noted as an incidental finding on radiographs. The most common teeth affected are impacted mandibular third molars and permanent maxillary canines. This case involves a dentigerous cyst encompassing the right and left impacted mandibular canines and crossing the midline. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first reported case of a dentigerous cyst encompassing non-adjacent teeth and crossing the midline.Case presentationThe patient presented to our orthodontic clinic for treatment of malocclusion. The patient was a 10-year, one-month-old Caucasian girl with a dentigerous cyst encompassing the right and left impacted mandibular canines and crossing the midline.ConclusionThis case involves an unusual clinical and radiographic presentation of a dentigerous cyst. It shows a new variant of presentation that medical professionals, specifically dentists and radiologists, should be aware of, since a dentigerous cyst crossing the midline has not been previously reported as far as we are aware. This additional knowledge is important for inclusion on differential diagnosis lists and aids in the development of a proper treatment plan.

Highlights

A dentigerous cyst is the most common developmental odontogenic cyst and is frequently noted as an incidental finding on radiographs
The patient was a 10-year, one-month-old Caucasian girl with a dentigerous cyst encompassing the right and left impacted mandibular canines and crossing the midline. This case involves an unusual clinical and radiographic presentation of a dentigerous cyst. It shows a new variant of presentation that medical professionals, dentists and radiologists, should be aware of, since a dentigerous cyst crossing the midline has not been previously reported as far as we are aware
This additional knowledge is important for inclusion on differential diagnosis lists and aids in the development of a proper treatment plan

Summary

Conclusion

This case describes the presentation of a dentigerous cyst that has not been previously reported. This new presentation shows that a dentigerous cyst can encompass multiple non-adjacent teeth in addition to the possibility that a dentigerous cyst might cross the midline. These two variants would lead to a differential diagnosis not including a dentigerous cyst. This is important for medical professionals to be aware of, dentists and radiologists, so that an accurate differential diagnosis can be made to determine the best treatment for the patient. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal

Introduction

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Discussion