A dentigerous cyst associated with a pulpectomised primary molar: case report

Abstract

A pulpectomy is a routinely performed procedure in carious primary teeth. While adverse effects are not common, these can include a dentigerous cyst. A dentigerous cyst is an odontogenic cyst that surrounds the crown of an unerupted tooth, and is caused by a fluid accumulation between the reduced enamel epithelium (REE) and the enamel surface. Residual periapical inflammation from an endodontically treated primary tooth may lead to the development of an inflammatory dentigerous cyst in the unerupted permanent successor. This case report illustrates an infected dentigerous cyst in a seven-and-a-half-year-old female child related to the mandibular left second primary molar, which had been pulpectomised two years earlier. In general, the incidence of dentigerous cysts associated with pulpectomised primary teeth is extremely low. While there is no single factor that can be attributed to cystic transformation, it is prudent that teeth receiving pulp therapy should be observed periodically, and radiographs should be taken at regular intervals.