Radiographic features of the parakeratenized keratocysts of the mandible

The aim of this work was to identify the radiographic features of a group of keratocyst of the mandible. The sample consisted of 36 cases diagnosed in patients between 11 and 66 years of age; 58.3% were females and 41.7 were males. The left side was affected in 47.3% and 25% crossed the middle line. Nebulous radiographic density was found in 69.4% cases. Only 30.6% presented an impacted tooth. In 72.73% cases the tooth was displaced into the alveolar ridge and in 27.27% appeared displaced caudally. Root re-absorption was observed only in displaced teeth. Displacement of the dental nerve canal was found in 83.9% cases. Infected keratocysts represented 49.4% and in this group. 80% exhibited corticalized borders. The results of this study demonstrate that most of the keratocysts presented nebulous density; they do not affect the basal mandibular bone and do not produce root re-absorption of the adjacent teeth. Infection of the cyst influences their radiographic features. (author)