Dentigerous Cyst
Pronunciation: den-TIJ-er-us
A developmental odontogenic cyst that envelops the crown of an unerupted or impacted tooth, most commonly the mandibular third molar.
Full Definition
The dentigerous cyst, also called a follicular cyst, forms through accumulation of fluid between the reduced enamel epithelium and the crown of an unerupted tooth. It is the second most common odontogenic cyst after the radicular cyst. On radiographs it appears as a well-defined, unilocular radiolucency associated with the crown of an impacted tooth. In pathology reports and radiological descriptions, editors must distinguish the dentigerous cyst from the odontogenic keratocyst, which has a more aggressive behavior and different lining epithelium. The preferred spelling is 'dentigerous' (not 'dentigenous').
Usage
Usage note: Preferred spelling is 'dentigerous', not 'dentigenous'. Always specify the associated tooth in radiological and surgical reports.
In Context
- "Radiographic analysis revealed a dentigerous cyst enveloping the crown of the impacted lower-left wisdom tooth." — Oral and maxillofacial radiology report
- "Editors should note that 'dentigerous' is frequently misspelled as 'dentigenous' and must be corrected in all clinical documents." — Proofreading guide