Residual cysts of the jaws: a retrospective study of characteristic features and management at the university of the Western Cape oral health centre

Abstract

Residual cysts are infrequent inflammatory cysts of the jaws which are of odontogenic origin. They are usually preceded by a radicular cyst which has developed apical or adjacent to a carious tooth. These cysts usually present with similar features as radicular cysts; however, due to absence of the causative tooth, they can mimic more aggressive cysts and tumours on radiographs. Moreover, they have the ability to destroy bone within the jaws without any symptoms. There is paucity of studies in the literature regarding these cysts as they are often overlooked due to their lack of symptoms and innocent radiographic appearance. Hence, the aim of this study was to describe the clinical, radiological and histopathological features of residual cysts in the jaws as well as analyse their surgical management and recurrence patterns.