Paradental cyst of mandibular third molar - A case report

Abstract

The term paradental cysts (PC) was first introduced by Craig in 1976 and is described as "A cyst of uncertain origin found primarily on the distal or facial aspect of a vital mandibular third molar, consisting of intensely inflamed connective tissue and epithelial lining." It is included in the group of rare lesions constituting 1-5% of all odontogenic cysts. PC is often associated with mandibular third molars and less frequently, with the second and first molars and rarely with premolars or canines/incisors. Not many cases of PC have been reported in maxillary teeth. The PC has been misdiagnosed as dentigerous cyst, lateral radicular cyst, pericoronal abscess, or some other entity related to the inflammatory conditions of the dental follicle. Lesions like dentigerous cyst may transform to an ameloblastoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or mucoepidermoid carcinoma which requires moderate to extensive surgical interventions with varied prognosis. Lateral radicular cyst and pericoronal abscess require minimal intervention. On the other hand, the topography, behavior, and clinical management are different with a better prognosis for PC. Therefore, it is important to diagnose PC by correlating the radiographic and histologic findings from other entities.