A cross-sectional radiographic study on the prevalence and distribution of dentigerous cysts in unerupted teeth in adult dogs.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence and distribution of dentigerous cysts among unerupted teeth in adult dogs based on age, sex, reproduction status and cranial conformation.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional radiographic study.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Medical records were reviewed to obtain clinical data, including breed, age, sex and reproduction status. Diagnostic dental radiographic imaging was reviewed. Binomial logistic regression was used to investigate factors contributing to the likelihood of having a cyst in dogs with one or more unerupted teeth.

RESULTS

Two hundred and eighty-five unerupted teeth and 95 (33.3%) dentigerous cysts were identified in 206 dogs out of approximately 13,000 records examined between 01/2017 and 06/2023. The highest frequency of unerupted teeth was found on the mandibular first premolars, mandibular third molars and mandibular central incisors. Regardless of tooth type, prevalence per site was under 50% for all but the mandibular second incisor. Brachycephalic dogs had higher odds of having cysts than non-brachycephalic or mixed breed dogs (odds ratios of 3.39 and 2.79), and neutered male dogs had higher odds than intact females (odds ratio of 1.58).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Results suggest that close monitoring of unerupted teeth without radiographic evidence of associated cysts may be an appropriate minimally invasive treatment method in lieu of prophylactic extraction.