Characteristics and Etiology of Radicular Cyst — a Study

Radicular cyst is one of the late sequelae of untreated pulpal necrosis often caused by dental trauma and caries. It develops slowly and gradually but symptomlessly, and involves many adjacent sound teeth endangering their vitality and even prognosis.The objectives of this study were to determine the site, age and sex distribution as well as to know the ratio of trauma to caries in the occurrence of Radicular cyst. Fifty (50) patients were included in study after taking history, clinical examination, radiological findings, aspiration test and biopsy report. 38 cases occurred in maxilla while 12 in mandible with ratio 3.1:1. In maxilla, the offended tooth was anterior in all 38 cases. So the favoured site was maxillary anterior teeth. The peak frequency was in 3rd decade with mean age of 23 years. There was slight male predilection as like other international studies. The ratio of trauma to caries was 4.3:1 in both jaws, 10:1 in maxilla and 1:1 in mandible. The increased ratio of trauma to caries indicates the neglecting attitude of our patients to dental treatment and demands their awareness and education about the untreated dental trauma.This study will help professionals to know the hazards of untreated dental trauma as well as their consequences. It will also help in early diagnosis and management of Radicular cyst to reduce its morbidity.