Treatment of 2 impacted molars in a large dentigerous cyst (expansile cystic lesion) with combined orthodontic and surgical therapy

Abstract

Nonmineralized cysts and cyst-like lesions that frequently occur in the mandible include ameloblastomas, odontogenic keratocysts, and dentigerous cysts. They have specific features of well-demarcated, unilocular, and radiolucent lesions that are often associated with tooth impaction. Although it rarely occurs, these cysts can become extremely large. Furthermore, cyst enlargement causes additional symptoms that can challenge the success of tooth recovery through orthodontic treatment. This clinical report presents the successful eruption of 2 impacted molars in a large dentigerous cyst treated with marsupialization and orthodontic traction using an orthodontic miniplate anchorage over a 4-year treatment period.