Spontaneous involution of a unilateral mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst

Abstract

Introduction: The mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst is a rare inflammatory odontogenic cyst that typically develops at the buccal region of the first or second permanent mandibular molars of children aged 6 to 15 years. The tooth involved is vital and shows an increased probing depth on the buccal surface. Radiographically, it is characterized by a unilocular radiolucent area, well circumscribed on the buccal osseous cortical, that it is difficult to visualize on periapical radiography. The diagnosis is primarily clinical and radiographic, and the treatment is usually the cystic enucleation without extraction of the tooth. Objective: To report a case of spontaneous involution of a unilateral mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst. Case presentation: This report describes the clinical and radiographic characteristics of an unusual case of unilateral buccal bifurcation cyst in a 6-year-old patient, presenting as a slight expansion in the buccal region of the first permanent mandibular molar. The treatment of choice was the clinical and radiographic follow-up due to the spontaneous involution of the cyst. There were no recurrences during follow-up and the tooth remained vital and erupted normally. Conclusions: The possibility of spontaneous involution is a characteristic that must always be observed, in order to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures.

Keywords

• odontogenic cyst
• mandible
• pediatrics
• therapeutics.