ADEX Dental Hygiene Licensing Exam 2026 – Complete All-In-One Guide to Succeed

The dentigerous cyst is recognized as the second most common type of cyst found in the oral cavity, primarily associated with the crowns of unerupted teeth, particularly the third molars and canines. This type of cyst forms when the dental follicle surrounding an unerupted tooth enlarges, leading to the accumulation of fluid or other materials within the cystic structure.

Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of the dentigerous cyst is essential for dental practitioners, as its diagnosis often involves radiographic examination. On X-rays, it typically appears as a well-defined, unilocular radiolucency associated with the crown of an unerupted tooth. Proper identification and differentiation from other cystic lesions are crucial, as this can influence treatment options and potential complications associated with the cyst and the affected tooth.

The other types of cysts listed, while important in their own right, do not rank as the second most common in the oral cavity. The odontogenic keratocyst is known for its aggressive behavior and high recurrence rate but does not share the same commonality as the dentigerous cyst. The nasal palatine duct cyst is relatively rare and typically occurs in the midline of the anterior maxilla. The globulomaxillary cyst