Abstract
Observatory study was carried out on the 16 cases diagnosed as having dentigerous cysts of the permanent teeth in children from 4 years 10 months to 14years 10 months old with a mean age of 10 years. The patients were 11 boys and 5 girls. Most of the cases were detected by gingival and mandibular bone swelling not accompared by pain or during the recall check-ups without any subjective symptoms. These cysts were observed most frequently in the lower premolars.
Pulp and/or restorative treatment was performed on all of the primary predecessors. Moreover, in most of the cases, where the history of these treatments were known, the cystic change occurred from 3 to 6 years after treatment. This result apparently indicates the importance of follow-up observation after the caries treatment.
Before the extraction of the primary teeth and the marsupialization of the cysts, examination of the dentition and occlusion was performed from the occlusal guidance view point. According to the result of the examination, the treatment plan was setup and the cases were assigned to each of three groups as follows;
I. Cases where natural eruption was expected.
II. Cases needing space maintenance.
III. Cases needing active occlusal guidance (space gaining or regaining).
In the all of the cases, except 2 cases which are still under observation and one case which was reffered to an orthodontist, the patients had no trouble with the cysts and the unerupted permanent teeth were successfully guided into the regular position with the dental arch.
