Radicular cysts (ICD-10 K04.8: Radicular cyst, cyst apical (periodontal), cyst periapical, cyst radicular, residual) are epithelium-lined lumina (cavities) adjacent to tooth roots. The epithelial lining is called the cyst bellows. The cyst lumen may have liquid, pulpy or gaseous contents.
Forms of the disease
- Apical (“tooth rootward”) radicular cysts.
- Lateral (“lateral”) radicular cysts
- Radicular (“affecting the root”) or interradicular (“located between the roots of the teeth”) deciduous cysts
Frequency peak: the disease occurs predominantly between the 2nd and 7th decade of life. An age peak exists in the 3rd to 5th decade of life.
Prevalence (disease incidence): In general, odontogenic (“originating from the teeth”) cysts, which include radicular cysts, are among the most common pathologic (pathological) processes in the oral, maxillofacial region. 60% to 90% of all odontogenic cysts are radicular cysts. The maxilla is affected twice as often as the mandible. The maxillary bone is the most commonly affected by cysts of all bones in the body.
Course and prognosis: Good prognosis. No recurrence (no recurrence of the disease) if completely removed. Cyst volume increases slowly by osmotic processes with displacement of adjacent structures and osteolysis (bone resorption) continuously. If diagnosed late, surrounding bone structures may be severely damaged.
A radicular cyst is inevitably associated with pulp death of the affected tooth (“tooth death”). Malignant (malignant) degeneration of cysts in general is rare, ranging from 0.2% to 0.5%.
