Odontogenic Keratocysts: Review of the Literature and Report of a Case

The odontogenic keratocyst is a common odontogenic cyst which accounts for 10% of all oral cysts. Odontogenic keratocysts are believed to arise from remnants of the dental lamina and are found in locations which may be encountered by periodontists. Keratocysts have a distinctive histopathologic appearance and are known to be locally aggressive and have a high recurrence rate, thus requiring close long‐term follow‐up. Odontogenic keratocysts are one component of the basal cell nevus syndrome and all patients with odontogenic keratocysts should be evaluated for this syndrome. This paper reviews odontogenic keratocysts and presents a case treated by conservative enucleation and ultrasonic debridement of the cystic cavity with no evidence of recurrence at five years. J Periodontol 1997;68:306–311.