What Do We Know About Dentigerous Cysts in Children: A Review of Literature

Dentigerous cysts (DCs) known as follicular cysts are thought to be caused by a developmental abnormality derived from the reduced enamel epithelium (REE) of the tooth forming organ. DCs considered an epithelial lined developmental odontogenic cyst which usually occurs in the second and third decade of life. DCs are the second most prevalent cystic lesions of the jaw following the radicular cyst. They are associated with partially erupted, developing, supernumerary or impacted teeth. Locations wise in the jaw, the mandibular third molars followed by maxillary canines are preferred sites. Occurrence of DCs is commonly unilateral. Bilateral presence is generally observed in syndromic cases. Non-syndromic DCs occurring bilaterally or involving both arches at the same time is very rare.