Management of a Large Periapical Cyst: A Case Report

Traumatic injuries commonly affect the anterior teeth leading to slow death of the pulp. This may give rise to a periapical or radicular cyst which results from the proliferation of cell rests of Malassez following pulpal necrosis of a nonvital tooth. This condition is usually asymptomatic but can result in a slow-growth tumefaction in the affected region. On radiography the lesion can be seen as a round or oval, well circumscribed radiolucent area involving the apex of the infected tooth. Nonsurgical management should be the treatment of choice of a periapical cyst. However, periapical surgery can be considered, if the lesion is extensive and fails to respond to a nonsurgical approach.