Infected Dentigerous Cyst with an Unusual Finding: A Case Report

Saman Abbasi; Maryam Mohebiniya; Soheila Jadidi; Shayan Eslami Baladeh

doi:10.18502/crcp.v10i1.19474

Saman Abbasi Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Arak University of Medical Science, Arak, Iran.
Maryam Mohebiniya Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
Soheila Jadidi Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Shayan Eslami Baladeh School of Dentistry, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/crcp.v10i1.19474

Keywords: Cone-Beam computed tomography; Tooth resorption; Dentigerous cyst(DC); Tooth, Unerupted

Abstract

Dentigerous cysts are developmental odontogenic lesions and represent the second most common type of jaw cysts, typically associated with the crowns of unerupted or impacted teeth. They are frequently discovered incidentally during routine radiographic evaluations, particularly in younger individuals. The present study describes a rare case of a 62-year-old edentulous female who presented with purulent discharge beneath her maxillary complete denture. Clinical and radiographic examinations, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), revealed an infected dentigerous cyst associated with an impacted maxillary canine and an unusual pattern of coronal tooth resorption. This finding is atypical, as dentigerous cysts are more commonly linked to root resorption. The case underscores the diagnostic value of CBCT in evaluating atypical presentations of odontogenic cysts and highlights the importance of early detection and management to prevent complications such as infection and structural compromise.