Dentigerous cyst

A dentigerous cyst, also known as a follicular cyst, is an epithelial-lined developmental cyst formed by accumulation of fluid between the reduced enamel epithelium and the crown of an unerupted tooth. It is formed when there is an alteration in the reduced enamel epithelium and encloses the crown of an unerupted tooth at the cemento-enamel junction. Fluid is accumulated between reduced enamel epithelium and the crown of an unerupted tooth.

Dentigerous cysts are the second most prevalent type of odontogenic cysts after radicular cyst. Seventy percent of the cases occur in the mandible. Dentigerous cysts are usually painless. The patient usually comes with a concern of delayed tooth eruption or facial swelling. A dentigerous cyst can go unnoticed and may be discovered coincidentally on a regular radiographic examination.