Decompression of odontogenic cystic lesions: clinical long-term study of 73 cases.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of decompression as the initial treatment for odontogenic cysts.

STUDY

DESIGN

Pre- and postdecompression panoramic radiographs of 57 patients treated for 73 odontogenic cysts were reviewed for reduction parameters. Findings were evaluated against time of decompression and clinical and histopathologic data.

RESULTS

Decompression reduced lesion area by a mean of 79.3%. The reaction was good in 60% of cysts, moderate in 29%, and poor in 11%. Mean decompression time was 9.2 ± 5.2 months; it was 7.6 months in patients ≤18 years old and 10.2 months in older patients (P < .0001). Mean rate of reduction was 0.14 in cysts <10 cm(2) and 0.10 in cysts >20 cm(2) (P = .0884); by age, values were 0.14 in patients ≤18 years old and 0.09 in older patients (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Decompression is effective in reducing odontogenic cysts. A shorter decompression period is needed for young patients. For aggressive lesions, secondary definitive surgery is recommended.