Decompression as a conservative strategy for extensive odontogenic cystic lesions: A case series

Title: Decompression as a conservative strategy for extensive odontogenic cystic lesions: A case series

Abstract:

Background: Extensive odontogenic cysts, such as dentigerous cysts and odontogenic keratocysts, can compromise adjacent vital structures and increase the risk of pathological fracture when treated with primary enucleation. Decompression offers a conservative alternative by reducing intracystic pressure, promoting bone regeneration, and enabling gradual lesion shrinkage.
Methods: This case series evaluates patients with large odontogenic cystic lesions initially managed by decompression. A drainage stent was placed to maintain cyst patency, and patients were instructed to perform daily saline irrigation. Lesion progression and bone regeneration were monitored using serial radiographic imaging.
Results: All cases showed significant reduction in cyst size, accompanied by progressive centripetal bone formation. Adjacent anatomical structures were preserved in all patients. When required, secondary enucleation was performed with reduced surgical complexity and minimal complications.
Conclusion: Decompression is an effective, minimally invasive, and bone-preserving approach for managing extensive odontogenic cystic lesions. It reduces lesion volume, lowers surgical morbidity, and facilitates safer definitive treatment, supporting its use as a first-line strategy in appropriately selected cases.

Biography:

Marwa studied Dentistry at the Khartoum University, Sudan and graduated in 2004 and completed her internship at Khartoum teaching dental hospital. She worked as GDP in Sudan for few years before moving to the UK, where she passed the ORE and registered with the GDC in 2015. She earned MFDS from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2018. Marwa practiced as a GDP in the UK until 2023, then joined the Dental Core Training specialty program. Now in her third year, she is expanding her clinical expertise.