Huge Radicular Cyst of the Maxilla Treated with Complete Resection and Immediate Reconstruction by Rib Bone Graft

Abstract

Radicular cysts are the most common odontogenic cystic lesions that occur in jaws. They rarely become problematic and are incidentally found on routine dental radiographs. As they appear to reach a considerable size prior to medical attention due to their insidious and destructive growth characteristics during the intraosseous stage, treatment often requires extensive cystectomy and skeletal reconstruction. Here we present the case of an 18-year-old man who was sent to our department, because of a huge, bulging mass in his left cheek. Surgery consisted of complete removal of the cyst and immediate reconstruction of the midfacial buttress using an autologous rib graft in a tongue-and-groove fashion. Histopathological examination of the lesion confirmed the diagnosis of a maxillary radicular cyst. This case underscores the nature of the frequently asymptomatic and long-term evolution of maxillary radicular cysts, with their growth causing massive bone destruction for which skeletal reconstruction is required.