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Surgical management of jaw cysts: clinical insights and case report

British Dental Journal volume 240, pages 403–406 (2026)Cite this article

Abstract

Jaw cysts are a common, yet diverse group of lesions often detected incidentally during routine dental examinations. While many cysts remain asymptomatic, larger, or aggressive, cysts can lead to significant complications, including tooth displacement, jaw fractures and nerve damage. This article reviews the pathophysiology, classification and management of jaw cysts, focusing on odontogenic cysts, which account for most cases presenting to oral and maxillofacial surgery. Various surgical techniques exist, including enucleation, marsupialisation, decompression, and en bloc resection, each with advantages, limitations, and indications based on cyst size, location, and recurrence risk. We present a case study illustrating a successful outcome using a two-staged treatment approach for a large dentigerous cyst. Selecting the appropriate management strategy requires careful consideration of lesion characteristics, patient factors, and recurrence risk, with the goal of minimising morbidity and optimising patient recovery and long-term outcomes.

Key points

  • Large jaw cysts can be effectively managed using a staged approach combining marsupialisation, decompression, and enucleation.

  • Minimally invasive techniques preserve anatomical structures and reduce morbidity while promoting gradual bone regeneration.

  • Careful case selection and long-term radiographic follow-up are essential to minimise recurrence risk and ensure successful outcomes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Lister Hospital, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, United Kingdom

    Sarika Shivji, Dona Sherief & Valmiki Sharma

Authors
  1. Sarika Shivji
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  2. Dona Sherief
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  3. Valmiki Sharma
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Contributions

VS was responsible for the surgical planning and execution of the case presented. SS and DS prepared the initial draft of the manuscript. All authors critically reviewed, revised, and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sarika Shivji.

Ethics declarations

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The authors affirm that written informed consent was given by the patient for participation of this case and for publication of this case, including the use of clinical images.

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Shivji, S., Sherief, D. & Sharma, V. Surgical management of jaw cysts: clinical insights and case report. Br Dent J 240, 403–406 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-025-9342-7

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