Scanning electron microscopic observations on the inner surface of jaw cysts.

The cavity surface of 9 jaw cysts was studied in the scanning electron microscope. The material comprised 5 radicular, 2 residual, 1 dentigerous and 1 globulomaxillary cyst. The surface morphology varied from smooth to ruffled within the same cyst, and between cysts. Interepithelial spaces, some of which contained migrating leukocytes, were frequently observed. Bacteria occurred in 1 cyst (dentigerous) only, and included rods, filaments and spirochetes. Crystals of various morphology were seen in 6 of the cysts.