1026H
Fig. 15.14 (a) and (b) Swelling of the
lower lip and attached mucosa and
gingiva in a 3-year-old girl with orofacial
granulomatosis.15.3 LESIONS OF THE JAWS
15.3.0 Introduction
These can be divided into: cysts, developmental conditions, osteodystrophies, and
tumours.
15.3.1 Cysts
ERUPTION
Eruption cysts are really dentigerous cysts (see below) that present as swellings of the
alveolar mucosa. They may precede the eruption of both primary and permanent teeth
(1027HFig. 15.15). When filled with blood they are often called eruption haematomas. The
treatment of eruption cysts is discussed in 1028HSection 15.5.5.
DENTIGEROUS
This is the commonest jaw cyst in children (1029HFig. 15.16). Its origin is the reduced
enamel epithelium, and attachment to the tooth occurs at the amelocemental junction.
There are often no symptoms but eruption of the affected tooth will be prevented. The
treatment of dentigerous cysts is discussed in 1030HSection 15.5.5.
RADICULAR
These cysts related to the apex of a non-vital tooth do occur in children, although they
are rare in the primary dentition. They are often symptomless and are discovered
radiographically. Extraction, apicectomy, or conventional endodontics will effect a