An ambiguous periapical cyst: A case report and literature review

Periapical cyst or radicular cyst is the most common inflammatory odontogenic cyst of the jaws, but its association with the over-retained deciduous teeth is unusual. This case reports a 24-year-old male patient who complained of swelling in the upper right back tooth region of the mouth. It was tentatively diagnosed as an odontogenic keratocyst because of its radiographic appearance. However, after histopathological examination, it was identified as an infected periapical cyst whose etiology was an over-retained deciduous root piece. We have reported this case due to its uniqueness in terms of etiology, clinical and radiographic findings, and management. The literature review is discussed in comparison with the current case's findings as well as the indications for guided bone regeneration after a follow-up of 6 months. This article highlights that the art of clinical diagnosis lies in the ability to perform a thorough examination, followed by proper investigations that may defy the provisional diagnosis. Sometimes, it lies as a disguise and only a detailed thorough investigation can reveal its true identity. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Practice-based learning and improvement, Medical knowledge, Patient care.