Lateral Periodontal Cyst

Definition: A cyst that forms lateral to a vital tooth. These are commonly incidental findings.

Radiographic Features:

Location: Most commonly found between the mandibular lateral incisor to second premolar.  In the maxilla, most commonly found near the lateral incisor.

Edge: Well-defined. Corticated.

Shape: Round to ovoid.

Internal: Radiolucent, unilocular.  A multilocular lateral peridontal cyst is referred to as a botryoid odontogenic cyst.

Other: The size is typically less than 1 cm in diameter.  This may obliterate the lamina dura of the adjacent teeth.  It may displace or resorb adjacent teeth as it enlarges.

Number: Typically single, but may be multiple (uncommon).

Lateral periodontal cyst – mandible

Lateral periodontal cyst – maxilla

Botryoid odontogenic cyst – mandible


7 thoughts on “Lateral Periodontal Cyst

  1. Hi there, in the 4th radiography the cyst appears to be associated with the lateral incisor which is non-vital. After vitality testing, Would you automatically assume that the tooth is associated with whichever adjacent tooth is vital? Thanks 🙂

    1. Alina,

      This entity is not associated with tooth vitality and the location is more used for creating a differential. A biopsy would be recommended if it does not appear to be of tooth origin (vitality testing). Please let me know if this answers your question or you have any other questions. Thanks.

      Dr. G

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