A rare case of residual cyst of the jaw in pediatric patient

Radicular cysts are the most common cystic lesions in the oral cavity and are rare in primary dentition. According to the 2022 WHO classification of cysts and tumors, radicular cysts include periapical, lateral, and residual cysts. This report presents a rare case of a giant residual cyst in an 8-year-old child. This case adds to the scientific literature by highlighting the successful management of a large cyst using a conservative decompression technique, demonstrating the remarkable regenerative capacity of pediatric patients. The patient presented with an asymptomatic swelling in the left posterior region of the lower jaw, with a history of tooth extraction. Clinical examination revealed a firm and bluish swelling in the area of teeth 74 and 75, and radiographic imaging showed a large radiolucent lesion. The diagnosis of a residual inflammatory cyst was made, and treatment consisted of decompression using an oral drain and the extraction of tooth 74. Histopathological analysis confirmed the presence of an inflammatory cyst. Over a six-month follow-up period, significant bone regeneration was observed, with the preservation of the permanent tooth germ and continued root development of the permanent teeth. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of conservative decompression in the treatment of large odontogenic cysts in children, allowing for bone regeneration and preservation of permanent teeth. The main takeaway is the importance of conservative decompression in the treatment of odontogenic cysts in children.