Discussion

Lateral periodontal cysts account for between 0.8% and 1.5% of all maxillary cysts. They usually affect individuals between 50 and 60 years of age. There is no special predilection for any ethnicity.

The most common region affected is the mandibular premolar region followed by the upper lateral incisor and canine region. The typical size of a lateral periodontal cyst ranges from 5 mm to 10 mm.

The pulp vitality of the teeth surrounding the cyst is usually not affected. On radiographs, lateral periodontal cysts are round, oval, or teardrop-like, well localized, well defined, and well corticated radiolucencies. The most common location is between the apex and the cementoenamel junction. Histopathology examination reveals a thin, nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium resembling reduced enamel epithelium.

Our appreciation is extended to Dr. Juan Yepes, Indiana University School of Dentistry Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Riley Hospital for Children, for contributing this case.

Reference

Neville BW, Damm DD, Allen CM, Bouquot JE. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Saunders/Elsevier; 2009.