Cystic changes in dental follicle associated with radiographically normal impacted mandibular third molar

Soft tissue pathosis associated with asymptomatic impacted lower third molars

“…However, ra-21-23). However, radiographic and clinical analysis of DFs may not always agree with histopathological findings (4,5,(7)(8)(9), and the absence of symptoms does not necessarily imply the absence of pathology (9). A follicular width greater than 2 mm on periapical radiographs (24) and 2.5 mm on panoramic radiographs has been suggested as an indication of DF pathology in asymptomatic impacted third molars (25).…”

“…The DF is responsible for coordinating resorption and deposition in the bone opposite the region of eruption through intraosseous movement (2) and is also responsible for the structure of the periodontal ligament and cement (1,3). Despite this important role in eruption physiology, previous studies have reported that the DF may undergo cystic degeneration and/or neoplastic transformation (1,(4)(5)(6)(7). The DF appears radiographically as a pericoronal radiolucency, the width of which is of the utmost importance in identifying DF pathology (3).…”

“…The DF appears radiographically as a pericoronal radiolucency, the width of which is of the utmost importance in identifying DF pathology (3). Previous studies have suggested that a pericoronal radiolucency 2.5 mm or larger on a panoramic radiograph may indicate an abnormality (4)(5)(6)(7)(8). Extraction of impacted mandibular (lower) third molars (ILTMs) is one of the most frequent procedures performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons (6,(8)(9)(10)(11)(12).…”

Agreement between clinical and histopathologic diagnoses and completeness of oral biopsy forms

“…Saravana and Subhashraj reported that up to 46% of cystic changes detected by radiographic evaluations occurred in apparently normal dental follicles 36 . Furthermore, Wali et al demonstrated that the thickness of the follicular space was not associated with the presence of cystic changes, and therefore, should not be used as a parameter for a presumptive diagnosis 37 .…”

Pericoronal radiolucencies with significant pathology: Clinico-histopathologic evaluation

“…[8][9][10] Radiographic studies have reported cyst development in impacted third molars to occur at rates between 1% and 1.6% and epidemiological studies have reported the rates as between 0.0002% and 2.31%. [10][11][12][13] However, radiographic and clinical analysis of dental follicles may not always agree with histopathologic findings, [14][15][16][17][18] and the absence of symptoms does not necessarily imply the absence of pathology. [18] Miller and Bean suggested that disease may be present in minute follicular spaces, whereas areas of enlarged radiolucency may be histologically normal, making biopsy imperative.…”