Periapical Cyst

Periapical Cysts are the most common cyst of the jaw and are usually asymptomatic (as was this patient who presented for evaluation for trauma).

Periapical cysts are the result of periapical inflammation that occurs due to pulpal necrosis in a tooth (the pulp of a tooth is the central part of a tooth that contains odontoblasts).

Periapical cysts are usually less than 1 cm in diameter and are bordered by a thin rim of cortical bone. The radiographic appearance of periapical cysts and granulomas is similar. Periapical cysts are less common and often larger. Periapical cysts are treated by enucleation of the cyst lining and root canal.

In the case shown here, the periapical cyst has eroded into the maxillary sinus.

References

Scholl RJ, et al. Cysts and Cystic Lesions of the Mandible: Clinical and Radiologic-Histopathologic Review. Radiographics. 1999;19:1107-1124.