Dentigerous cyst of mandible presenting as sepsis.

ABSTRACT

Dentigerous cysts are odontogenic cysts that develop by accumulation of fluid between reduced enamel epithelium and a crown of an unerupted tooth. Dentigerous cysts typically are slow growing and incidental findings on radiographic images [1]. These cysts are usually small but when they become large, they will cause a pathologic fracture. Occasionally, they can become painful when infected, which will cause swelling and erythema [1]. We present a rare case of a dentigerous cyst that presented as sepsis. Dentigerous cysts are the most common type of noninflammatory odontogenic cyst [2]. The atypical acute presentation and extent of this patient's soft tissue manifestations resulting in tracheal midline shift and sepsis make this a rare case for presentation.