Management of Large Residual Cyst in Elderly Patient with Decompression Alone: Case Report

Abstract

Summary Background/Aim:Residual cysts comprise approximately 10% of all odontogenic cysts. They are more commonly seen in 4th-6th decades of life, and occur due to incomplete previous surgical removal of a radicular cyst; or due to left epithelial remnants stimulated by tooth extraction. These lesions are often treated with enucleation. However, this procedure is not always the ideal treatment solution for elderly people due to the presence of physical and mental disorders, and risk of jaw fracture. Case Report: In this case report, the successful treatment of a large residual cyst in the symphysis of a 93 year-old female patient by performing decompression alone is presented. A plastic drain was placed on the wall of the cyst to allow irrigation. Regeneration was observed in the cyst cavity 3 months after surgery. The 1-year follow up showed that the majority of the cyst cavity was filled with new bone. Conclusions: In elderly patients, large inflammatory cysts can be successfully treated with decompression considering the limited regeneration capacity and difficulties in follow-up.