The inflammatory paradental cyst: a critical review of 342 cases from a literature survey, including 17 new cases from the author's files

BACKGROUND: A total of 325 cases of inflammatory paradental cysts (IPCs) and 17 own cases were reviewed. Although known since 1930, the IPC is still unrecognized by many clinicians. The IPCs show a relative frequency of 0.9-4.7%. The majority of cysts occur distally or distobuccally to vital, permanent mandibular molars with a history of pericoronitis (IPC/3rd mandibular molar alone accounts for 64.9%). Radiologically, the cyst appears as a well-defined, semilunar unilocular radiolucency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases of inflammatory paradental cysts and related lesions were retrieved from a worldwide literature survey. In addition, 17 new cases from the files of the authors have been added. RESULTS: The mean ages for patients with IPC/1st, 2nd and 3rd mandibular molars are 8.7, 17.4 and 27.6 years, respectively. The male:female ratio was 1 : 0.9 for IPC/1st and 2nd mandibular molars, and 1 : 0.4 for 3rd mandibular molar. CONCLUSION: Reduced enamel epithelium, cell rests of Malassez and remnants of the dental lamina stimulated by inflammation are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of IPC. Histological features are indistinguishable from those of the inflammatory, periapical (radicular) cyst.