362 - A Case Report: Dentigerous cyst

Dentigerous cysts are the most common type of odontogenic cysts. They originate from separation of follicles from around the crown of unerupted or impacted teeth. Common sites are mandibular molar and maxillary canine. Most patients with dentigerous cysts are younger than twenty years of age. This case report discusses an 8-year-old female patient who presented to the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic at University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) for an emergency visit; with chief complaint of recent swelling of the left cheek. Based on clinical and radiographic evaluation a diagnosis of dentigerous cyst of the maxilla in association with tooth #10 was established. Patient was referred to oral surgery for enucleation of cystic lesion, extraction of affected teeth and biopsy of enucleated specimen. Histopathology confirmed the clinical diagnosis. Patient presented to the UNLV pediatric dentistry clinic ten months after the first visit for a follow up appointment. This case highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of an often aggressive odontogenic cyst that if left untreated can require extensive surgery with a protracted course for rehabilitation.