Case of the Week: Lateral Periodontal Cyst


This week I have a case of a lateral periodontal cyst.  Lateral periodontal cysts typically are smaller than 1 cm.  When they are located in the mandible, they are most commonly found in the lateral incisor to premolar region.  When they are located in the maxilla, they are most commonly found in the lateral incisor region.  They are radiolucent and well-defined.  This case shows a round, unilocular, radiolucent entity mesial to the mandibular left first premolar.  It is important to have a histopathological diagnosis on removal of a lesion with this appearance as occasionally keratocystic odontogenic tumors can have the same radiographic appearance and location.

Reconstructed pantomograph from cone beam CT

For more information and other radiographs of lateral periodontal cysts check out the page on lateral periodontal cysts.

Enjoy!