Inflammatory collateral cyst associated with a palatoradicular groove: report of a case and discussion of nomenclature.

ABSTRACT

The aims of this article are to present a case demonstrating the connection between palatoradicular grooves and inflammatory collateral cysts and to discuss the related nomenclature. Radiographs in a 21-year-old man revealed a radiolucent, unilocular, well-defined area near the vital maxillary right lateral incisor and canine. Palatal swelling was present, and a 6-mm-deep periodontal pocket was found at the palatal surface of the right lateral incisor. The differential diagnoses were keratocystic odontogenic tumor, developmental lateral periodontal cyst, and inflammatory lateral periodontal cyst. The area was explored surgically, and the lesion was excised. Surgical exploration revealed a palatoradicular groove, which was scaled and planed with the aid of manual curettes with the intention of creating a flat surface to promote insertion of the periodontal fibers. Histopathologic analysis revealed that the lesion was an inflammatory cyst. The presence of a palatoradicular groove can put the periodontium at risk because a resulting lack of fiber insertion makes oral hygiene difficult. This established inflammatory process can initiate development of an inflammatory collateral cyst that may be misdiagnosed, hindering successful management. In this case, bone grafting and placement of a resorbable membrane were used to promote bone formation and subsequent sealing of the periodontal space.