ODONTOGENIC KERATOCYSTS - REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE AND REPORT OF A CASE

THE ODONTOGENIC KERATOCYST IS A common odontogenic cyst which accounts for 10% of all oral cysts. Odontogenic keratocysts are believed to ar ise from remnants of the dental lamina and are found in locations whic h may be encountered by periodontists. Keratocysts have a distinctive histopathologic appearance and are known to be locally aggressive and have a high recurrence rate, thus requiring close long-term follow-up. Odontogenic keratocysts are one component of the basal cell nevus syn drome and all patients with odontogenic keratocysts should be evaluate d for this syndrome. This paper reviews odontogenic keratocysts and pr esents a case treated by conservative enucleation and ultrasonic debri dement of the cystic cavity with no evidence of recurrence at five yea rs.