OSSEOUS REPAIR OF A LATERAL PERIODONTAL CYST

THE LATERAL PERIODONTAL CYST is a slow-growing radiolucent, developmen tal lesion occurring most frequently in males during the sixth decade. As part of the differential diagnosis, it must be distinguished from the collateral keratocyst and the gingival cyst of adults as well as o ther entities. Speculation remains as to the lateral periodontal cyst' s developmental origin. Whether it is from reduced enamel epithelium, remnants of dental lamina, or cell rests of Malassez remains to be det ermined. The following longitudinal case report describes the review o f literature and clinical and histologic findings as well as unusual t reatment of a through-and-through perforating lateral periodontal cyst . Due to the large bony defect left after the cyst's removal, a decalc ified freeze-dried bone graft was placed to close the defect. The repa ir of the lesion was followed for 30 months.