Dentigerous Cyst
Pronunciation: den-TIJ-er-us
A developmental odontogenic cyst arising from the follicular epithelium around the crown of an unerupted or impacted tooth, appearing as a well-defined pericoronal radiolucency on radiographs.
Full Definition
The dentigerous cyst is the most common developmental odontogenic cyst and is invariably associated with an unerupted tooth, most frequently the mandibular third molar or maxillary canine. Radiographically, it appears as a corticated, unilocular radiolucency enclosing the crown of the associated tooth at the cemento-enamel junction. Editors must ensure the term is written as two words, lower case, and hyphenated only in compound modifier use (e.g., 'dentigerous-cyst wall'). It is frequently confused with pericoronal radiolucency (which is a descriptive sign, not a diagnosis) and with the keratocystic odontogenic tumour, which may have a similar radiographic appearance.
Usage
Usage note: Two words, lower case. Do not write as 'dentigenous' (common misspelling). Distinguish from keratocystic odontogenic tumour in reports.
In Context
- "The panoramic radiograph revealed a well-defined radiolucency surrounding the crown of the impacted lower-left third molar, consistent with a dentigerous cyst." — Oral surgery referral letter
- "A dentigerous cyst is, by definition, attached at the cemento-enamel junction of the associated tooth." — Dental radiology textbook