Gingival Cysts Quiz

Developmental Lateral Periodontal Cyst

• Definition: A non-inflammatory developmental cyst, found adjacent or lateral to a vital tooth's root.
• Etiology: Originates from odontogenic epithelial rests on the side of an adjacent tooth's root. The exact cause of the epithelial proliferation isn't understood, it's not an inflammatory process.
• Clinical Features:
  • Age: Most common in people aged 40-60.
  • Sex: Male to female ratio is 2:1.
  • Site: Typically in the mandibular premolar/canine region, or maxillary lateral incisor region.
  • Appearance: Usually asymptomatic, discovered during routine radiographic exams. May show a slight bulge if the cyst is on the labial surface of the root, but the overlying mucosa is typically normal. The related tooth remains vital.
  • Complications: If infected, symptoms may mimic a lateral periodontal abscess.
• Radiographic Features:
  • Radiolucent area.
  • Small size (seldom exceeding 1 cm in diameter).
  • Possibly well-circumscribed, or have an opaque margin.

Botryoid Odontogenic Cyst

• Definition: A developmental cyst, lined by non-keratinized epithelium. It's the multicystic form of the developmental lateral periodontal cyst, frequently occurring on the lateral side or between the roots of erupted teeth.
• Etiology: Thought to originate from rests of the dental lamina, reduced enamel epithelium, or rests of Malassez.
• Histopathologic Features:
  • Lined by stratified squamous epithelium (thin, one or two layers).
  • Nodular thickenings in some cysts, with a swirling appearance.
  • Cells inside may exhibit clear cytoplasm due to glycogen accumulation.
  • Possible parakeratin/orthokeratin formation in the lining.
  • Inflammatory cells might be present in the cyst wall, but this is a secondary phenomenon if it becomes infected.

Developmental Gingival Cyst of Adulthood

• Definition: A non-inflammatory developmental cyst occurring on the gingiva, adjacent to a vital tooth. It's the gingival equivalent of the lateral periodontal cyst.
• Etiology: Arises from remnants of dental lamina within soft tissue (epithelial rests of Serre's).
• Clinical Features:
  • Age: Frequently diagnosed in 40-60-year-olds.
  • Sex: Affects both sexes equally.
  • Appearance: A small, well-circumscribed, painless swelling on gingiva (less than 1 cm in diameter). Can involve the free or attached gingiva, and sometimes the gingival papilla. Larger lesions might show bluish discoloration due to bone erosion.
• Radiographic Features: Does not typically show up on dental x-rays.
• Histopathologic Features:
  • Epithelial-lined cavity.
  • Very thin, flattened stratified squamous epithelium, often non-keratinized.
  • Possible keratin formation in some cases.

Gingival Cyst of the Newborn (Bohn's Nodules)

• Definition/Preferred Name: Often called "Dental Lamina Cyst of Newborn" because the gingiva is related to teeth development, which isn't present in newborns.
• Clinical Features:
  • Appearance: Small, white, nodular lesions (a few millimeters in diameter) on the alveolar ridge.
  • Origin: Develop from remnants of the dental lamina.
  • Resolution: Usually resolve spontaneously, degenerating, rupturing and disappearing.
• Histopathologic Features:
  • Thin epithelial lining (two to three layers).
  • Lumen often filled with desquamated keratin.

Test your knowledge on gingival cysts, including their characteristics, types, and clinical features. This quiz covers both adult and newborn gingival cysts, as well as lateral periodontal cysts. Ideal for dental students and professionals looking to refresh their understanding.