Infected lateral periodontal cyst mimicking periodontal abscess: Report of a case and review of literature 

• Author Details:   
• Kavya V P ^*
• Roshni Ramesh
• Raseena Beevi Nafeesa
• Sadiya Karunakurussi

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Lateral periodontal cyst (LPC) is a rare developmental odontogenic cyst associated with vital tooth. Lateral periodontal cysts are usually detected incidentally on routine radiographs and do not present with any symptoms. A 55-year-old man reported with occasional pain and pus discharge in gums along lower left front tooth for a duration of two years. During clinical assessment, the lower left mandibular canine (33) had a periodontal pocket of 6 mm labially. The tooth had grade I mobility and gingival recession. There was trauma from occlusion and attrition of lower front teeth. Vitality test of 33 showed normal pulpal response. An initial diagnosis of periodontal abscess was made. Intraoral periapical radiograph (IOPAR) showed a distinct clearly demarcated tear shaped radiolucency with sclerotic border located beneath the mid-root region distal to tooth 33. Considering both the clinical presentation and radiographic evidence, LPC was provisionally diagnosed. Oral prophylaxis with reduction of occlusal trauma followed by conservative enucleation of the cyst along with curettage was carried out under local anesthesia and specimen obtained sent for histopathologic investigation. PRF with bone graft was positioned into the defect. The surgical site was closed with silk sutures and protected with a periodontal dressing. Histopathological examination was consistent with a lateral periodontal cyst. The patient remains under periodic follow-up with good soft tissue healing without any recurrence. The present case underscores the relevance of histopathological examination for a definitive final diagnosis for all intraosseous lesions of the jaw along with clinical and radiographic finding.