Introduction:

Dentigerous cyst is an odontogenic cyst, almost always associated with the crown of a retained tooth. Its most frequent locations are the areas of the lower third molar and the upper canine.

Objective:

To characterize the presentation of a dentigerous cyst in an adult patient.

Case presentation:

The case is presented of a 27-year-old female patient who came to the clinic with a sensation of pressure, pain and inflammation in the region of the lower left third molar. Oral examination permits to observe some dental tissue corresponding with molar 38 partially erupted with slight edema of the surrounding mucosa. Panoramic radiograph shows a radiolucent image related to the mesial side of 38, with a discrete radiopaque halo, rounded, compatible with a dentigerous cyst.

Conclusions:

A timely diagnosis of these lesions is the key to a successful and less invasive treatment, which would avoid major complications, such as malignization, the exaggerated growth that can cause facial deformity and permanent masticatory dysfunction.

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