Lateral periodontal cyst

The lateral periodontal cyst is a cyst that arises from the epithelial post-functional dental lamina, which is a remnant from odontogenesis. It is more common in middle-aged adult males. Usually, there is no pain associated with it, and it usually appears as a unilocular radiolucency (dark area) on the side of a canine or premolar root. Commonly seen in the mandibular bicuspid area. Microscopically, the lateral periodontal cyst appears the same as the gingival cyst of the adult. The involved tooth is usually vital and has no indication for root canal treatment unless the signs of non-vital or necrotic pulpal tissue were confirmed. Lateral periodontal cysts are generally treated by surgical enucleation.