A conservative treatment of an involved molar tooth associated with dentigerous cyst: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: Dentigerous cysts (DCs) are among the most frequently odontogenic cysts in young and middle-aged individuals. Marsupialization and enucleation are the main treatment options in clinical practice. However, there are few reports on preserving molars severely involved by the cyst. CASE PRESENTATION: A 35-year-old male patient with a large odontogenic cyst that was successfully treated using a multidisciplinary approach. The patient's chief complaint was discomfort during mastication in the lower left molar region for a month. Clinical examination revealed that teeth 36 and 37 were intact without pain upon percussion, while tooth 38 was unerupted. The radiology examination illustrated a typical well-defined oval radiolucent lesion surrounding the crown of unerupted tooth 38, extending to the distal root of tooth 37. The treatment was divided into two parts: removal of the cyst and the impacted third molar, followed by filling with collagen bone particles; and preserving the tooth 37 via hemisection, root canal treatment and crown restoration. Pathological examination indicated a dentigerous cyst. After 18 months of treatment, the bone defect completely recovered and tooth 37 functioned well following the hemisection. CONCLUSIONS: Hemisection effectively preserves the cyst-associated molars and maintains oral function. This article underscores the significance of collaboration among various departments in the treatment of odontogenic cysts, ultimately aiming to achieve minimally invasive and functional surgery.