ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Lesions of nonendodontic origin may mimic apical periodontitis. Central giant cell lesions (CGCLs) are aggressive or nonaggressive benign idiopathic intraosseous lesions of the jaw. This report describes a case of a CGCL in the periapical region of teeth #21-#26 of a 17-year-old female who sought orthodontic care because of a change in the position of tooth #23. METHODS: Clinical examination revealed mild facial asymmetry caused by increased volume in the mental region and cortical bone expansion but no cortical disruption. A panoramic radiograph showed a well-defined radiolucent osteolytic lesion involving teeth #21-#26. The cortical bone was not affected, and there was no root resorption. Incisional biopsy was performed, and the diagnosis was a CGCL. The lesion was enucleated surgically. CGCLs should be included in the differential diagnosis of jaw lesions that mimic apical periodontitis. RESULTS: The patient subsequently underwent orthodontic treatment successfully. CONCLUSIONS: The 8-year clinical and radiographic follow-up confirmed lesion remission, no recurrence, and pulp vitality of all teeth.
