The Buccal Bifurcation Cyst: Is Non-Surgical Treatment an Option?
Lesley A. David, DDS
George K.B. Sāndor, MD, DDS, FRCD(C), FRCS(C), FACS
Douglas W. Stoneman, DDS, FRCD(C)
ABSTRACT
The mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst (BBC) was first described by Stoneman and Worth in 1983. It is a lesion with a specific location, classically the buccal surface of the mandibular first molar and less frequently the mandibular second molar. There have been numerous reports in the literature describing the BBC and its treatment. Treatment advocated thus far includes extraction of the involved first molar, marsupialization and enucleation of the cyst. In their most recent article, Pompura, Sāndor and Stoneman reported on the successful treatment of 44 cysts with enucleation without tooth extraction. This article will describe the diagnostic features of the BBC and present three cases with a total of five cysts, which were treated non-surgically and ultimately resolved. The authors, therefore, propose that a more conservative non-surgical approach to these lesions may be considered.MeSH Key Words:mandibular diseases/pathology; molar; child; periodontal cyst/pathology.
Š J Can Dent Assoc 1998; 64:712-6
This article has been peer reviewed.
[ Introduction | Cases | Discussion]
The buccal bifurcation cyst (BBC) is an uncommon lesion associated with the permanent mandibular first or second molar in children. Usually it is identified just prior to eruption. Stoneman and Worth in 1983 were the first to describe the lesion and report its radiographic and clinical features.1 They named the lesion mandibular infected buccal cyst. Similar lesions have been described in the literature under a variety of names. They include the circumferential dentigerous cyst,2 the inflammatory paradental cyst,3 and the inflammatory collateral dental cyst.4 The World Health Organization5 describes this lesion under the name "paradental cyst." Neville, Damm and Allen et al. state that this latter name should be avoided because it is non-specific.6 Pompura, Sāndor and Stoneman7 argue for the term BBC, because the lesion is site- and age- specific. It has a constant relationship to the mandibular first molar's buccal bifurcation (Table I).
The radiographic presentation of the BBC may be subtle and easily overlooked unless the lesion is large or symptomatic. If a BBC is suspected, a panoramic or periapical radiograph should be taken as well as an occlusal film (Fig. 1).1 The BBC's distinct radiographic features are listed in Table II.
| Table II | ||||||||
| Radiographic Features of the Buccal Bifurcation Cyst | ||||||||
|
The histology of this lesion is non-specific and reveals non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, areas of epithelial hyperplasia and an inflammatory infiltrate in the connective tissue wall. Bacteriology reports have shown a mixed flora.7-9
The differential diagnosis of this lesion includes eosinophilic granuloma, lateral periodontal cyst, traumatic bone cyst and periostitis ossificans. Usually, the clinical and radiographic features distinguish the BBC from other conditions.8
Treatment of the BBC has evolved over time. The low incidence of this lesion makes randomized controlled trials impractical. Stoneman and Worth report successful treatment through tooth extraction and curettage of the lesion, as well as with endodontic treatment of the tooth and curettage of the lesion.1 Enucleation and extraction are reported by Trask, Sheller and Morton10 and more recently by Martinez-Conde, Aguirre and Pindborg.11 Stanback reports treatment via marsupialization.12 Enucleation alone is reported by several authors.8,9,13,14 Pompura, Sāndor and Stoneman7 recently report the successful treatment of 44 BBCs with enucleation alone (without tooth extraction). The following cases illustrate an even more conservative approach to treatment.
[ Top ]Case 1
During an orthodontic consultation, an 8-year-old male was noted to have bilateral cystic lesions of the mandible. He was asymptomatic, but on intraoral examination buccal tilting of the associated teeth and deep buccal periodontal pockets were noted. Mild bilateral swelling was noted extraorally. The lesions were pointed out to the patient and his mother, who were advised to see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for management.
The family moved away for a year and never sought treatment. At a follow-up visit 15 months later, the lesions showed definite signs of radiographic resolution. Six months after this initial follow-up, there was no clinical or radiographic evidence of the cysts at all (Figs. 2a-2f).
Case 2
A 9-year-old male had BBCs associated with teeth 3.6 and 4.6. These teeth were tilted buccally and were associated with deep buccal periodontal pockets. No treatment was rendered. During nine months of follow-up, the cyst adjacent to tooth 4.6 enlarged and required surgical treatment, and the cyst adjacent to tooth 3.6 regressed without treatment (Figs. 3a-3d).
Case 3
A 7-year-old male was treated by his physician with a course of amoxicillin for pain and swelling of the mandible and was subsequently referred to his dentist. On examination, the patient had swelling and tenderness in the region of the right angle of the mandible. Intraorally, the soft tissues buccal to teeth 3.6 and 4.6 were inflamed and slightly erythematous. Periodontal probing revealed depths of 11 mm to 12 mm bucally. Both crowns were tilted buccally. The pockets were irrigated with saline and hydrogen peroxide and the patient was instructed to irrigate these areas at home daily with saline rinses. The patient was reassessed weekly. Over several months, the defects resolved with irrigation and the periodontal status returned to normal. The probing depths were 2 mm to 3 mm buccally, and the patient's pain, swelling and inflammation ceased (Figs. 4a-4d).
The etiology of the BBC remains uncertain. Different theories have been proposed. During eruption, as the cusps penetrate the oral epithelium, a localized area of inflammation may occur beneath the epithelial attachment. The fact that the mesiobuccal cusp of the first molar is the first to break through the epithelium might explain the development of the lesion on the buccal surface at about the time of eruption.1 The cystic epithelium may be derived from the cell rests of Serres, the cell rests of Malassez, apical migration of cells of the dental lamina or reduced enamel epithelium.7 As Camarda, Pham and Forest8 state, however, this explanation does not account for the reason these lesions have not been seen with erupting incisors. Another hypothesis is simply that this cyst is a variant of the lateral periodontal cyst.1 This lesion is also site-specific, namely to the canine and premolar region, and rarely occurs in children.7 Enamel projections into the buccal bifurcation may also be a causative factor.
Pompura, Sāndor and Stoneman point out that these lesions are not seen in adults and questioned whether they may be self-limiting.7 Evidence from these three patients with five cysts indicates that some of these lesions are self-limiting. The authors speculate that perhaps microtrauma and subsequent inflammation of the buccal gingival tissues and the cyst lining may induce a small opening into the lesion. This "automarsupialization" may allow the cyst to depressurize and heal spontaneously. Periodontal probing may also result in "micromarsupialization." Case 2 illustrates simultaneous regression of a lesion on one side and continued growth of a BBC on the contralateral side. Factors that predict which lesions may be more susceptible to spontaneous resolution are unknown. Although there are no guidelines on which cysts need to be watched and which require surgical treatment, the authors emphasize that at least some BBCs may not require surgery. Consideration should therefore be given to managing BBC cases conservatively with an expectant "watchful inactivity." Clinical and radiographic re-evaluation should occur at three- to six-month intervals. Infected lesions or those increasing in size must be managed surgically.
Acknowledgment: the authors thank Dr. M. Dagenais for her radiographic contribution to this paper.
Dr. David is resident, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Toronto.
Dr. Sāndor is coordinator of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children and Bloorview MacMillan Centre; director, graduate residency program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Toronto Hospital; and assistant professor, University of Toronto.
Dr. Stoneman is professor emeritus, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto; and consultant oral radiologist, Hospital for Sick Children and The Toronto Hospital.
Reprint requests to: Dr. G.K.B. Sāndor, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5G 1X8.
Fig. 1: Occlusal radiograph of a buccal bifurcation cyst showing lingual displacement of the first molar roots and the resultant increased prominence of the lingual cusps. Note also the thinning of the buccal cortex and periosteal reaction.
Fig. 2a: Large buccal bifurcation cyst around tooth 4.6.
Fig. 2b: Bone fill noted at 15 months without treatment.
Fig. 2c: Complete resolution of cyst with uprighting of tooth 4.6 at 21 months.
Fig. 2d: Lesion around tooth 3.6.
Fig. 2e: Bone fill at 15 months without treatment.
Fig. 2f: Complete resolution of cyst
Fig. 3a: Lesion around tooth 4.6 with faint radiopaque concave line at apices and prominent lingual cusps.
Fig. 3b: Spontaneous enlargement of lesion 9 months later.
Fig. 3c: Lesion around tooth 3.6 with faint radiopaque lines at apices and prominent lingual cusps.
Fig. 3d: Spontaneous bone fill around apices and mesial and distal of tooth 3.6 at 9 months without treatment.
Fig. 4a: Faint radiopaque line at apices and distally around tooth 3.6.
Fig. 4b: Resolution of cyst at tooth 3.6.
Fig. 4c:Smaller cyst at tooth 4.6; faint radiopaque line at mid apices
Fig. 4d: Spontaneous healing of cyst at tooth 4.6..
.
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