Prevalence, Characteristics and Distribution of Odontogenic Cysts amongst the Indian Subpopulation of Southern Rajasthan: A 5-year Retrospective Study of 218 Cysts.

Background: Odontogenic cysts (OCs) arise from the odontogenic epithelium and occur in the tooth-bearing regions of the jaws. Proliferation and/or degeneration of this epithelium lead to OC development.

Aim and objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, characteristics, distribution and clinicopathological features of OCs and compare with other studies.

Materials and methods: Records of OCs were retrieved, and patient's data, aetiology, clinical features, histopathological distribution, treatment, complications and recurrence were studied.

Results: A total of 218 OCs were studied in 200 patients. The mean age of patients was 35.74 years. The overall sex ratio (male: female) was 1.22:1. Second, third and fourth decades of life were commonly affected. The majority of the patients (85%) reported with a complaint of pain (with or without swelling). Radicular cyst was the most prevalent type (49.55%). The most common site involved was the anterior maxilla (41.75%). Dental complications such as displacement, mobility, discoloration and root resorption were diagnosed in 91 cysts (41.75%). Bony complications such as expansion and perforation were present in 136 cysts (62.38%). Dentition was non-vital in 61.46% of cysts. The most common treatment method performed was combination surgery (enucleation with or without endodontic treatment/extraction and apicoectomy). Recurrence rate was 3.20%.

Conclusion: The prevalence, characteristics and distribution features of OCs in India are similar to those of studies conducted in other parts of the world. There is a broad spectrum of OCs, with some cysts having a propensity for certain age, gender and site, whereas a few cysts have distinct properties to recur and have aggressive and invasive behaviour.