How do you and I treat teeth that are impacted due to benign cysts of dental origin?

Radicular and dentigerous cysts are benign, asymptomatic cysts of dental origin that may be accompanied by or cause the impaction of neighboring teeth. Their management is debatable considering the limited availability of definitive scientific evidence. The purpose of the present study was to poll specialists' views on the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of an exceptionally large jaw cyst associated with a deeply impacted tooth in a young patient. A large international contingent of approximately 1000 specialist orthodontists and oral surgeons was invited to complete a specially designed online questionnaire, anonymously and voluntarily. The pretreatment panoramic radiograph of the affected patient was emailed to each specialist, with a concise patient description and the 16-item questionnaire. In total, 123 specialists, 54 (43.9%) oral surgeons, and 69 (56.1%) orthodontists practicing in 17 different countries, participated in the study. The responses of the participants differed regarding the prognosis of the cystic lesion (<i>P</i> = 0.036), posttreatment vitality of the impacted tooth (<i>P</i> = 0.041), surgical procedure (<i>P</i> = 0.032), choice of site for drainage of the lesion (<i>P</i> <0.001), and likelihood of posttreatment anatomic anomalies in the further development of the impacted tooth's root (<i>P</i> = 0.038). Consensus between orthodontists and oral surgeons was found in several aspects of diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. These findings, demonstrating perceptions stemming from the combined experience of both specialties, may be useful for improving outcomes and simplifying the treatment of similar future patients.