TREATMENT OF RADICULAR CYST USING DECOMPRESSION

Radicular cyst is a true epithelium lined cyst formed when epithelium at the apex of a nonvital tooth is stimulated by inflammation. It is the most common type of cyst in the oral cavity, but its frequency is low in the primary dentition. Treatment of large-sized cyst aims at conservation of adjacent structure and allowance of proper eruption of the successive permanent teeth in the primary dentition. Considering these two aspects, marsupialization or enucleation following decompression is recommended as a treatment means for large-sized radicular cyst. In this case, 8-year old boy visited the pediatric dentistry department. Yonsei University Dental Hospital, with the chief complaint of pain on the lower right area. Clinical and radiographic examinations revealed periapical radiolucent lesion on #84, which had previous pulp treatment and restorated with the stainless steel crown. Dislocation of its successive tooth, #44, was also observed. #84 was extracted and sent for biopsy. Through histologic examination, it was diagnosed as radicular cyst. Following its extraction, removable space maintainer was delivered, which was also used as a decompressor. During periodic check-up for next 22 months, favorable healing of the lesion and eruption of the successive tooth were observedope