ABSTRACT
Radicular cysts are the most common odontogenic cysts of inflammatory origin affecting the human jaws. Radicular cysts are usually asymptomatic but can result in slow growth tumefaction and involve many adjacent sound teeth endangering their vitality and prognosis. The objectives of this study were to enumerate and evaluate the etiological factors and the pattern of presentation of radicular cysts in a tertiary care centre in Pakistan. A total of 58 patients were included in this case series study after taking history, clinical examination, radiological findings, aspiration test and histological diagnosis of lesion by biopsy report. It was carried out at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore from April 2012 to August 2014. The patients in the study included 30 male [51.72%] and 28 female [48.28%]. Most cases were diagnosed in the second decade of life [50.00%] which declined in the later age groups. The most affected region was the anterior maxilla [65.52%, n=38], followed by anterior mandible [18.96%, n=11]. The main etiological factor was dental trauma followed by unrestored nonvital carious teeth. Radicular cyst is the most commonly occurring odontogenic cyst which affects the maxillofacial skeleton with varying frequency. A proper early screening of dental trauma can significantly reduce the incidence of some of these cystic lesions. In addition, patient education with regards to improved oral health and regular dental check ups is important for reducing the caries prevalence in the population