vol. 10 núm. 19 (2014)

Root cysts are the most common odontogenic cysts found on the maxillas, with prevalence between 52% and 75%; they account for 6% to 55% of pulpoperiapical lesions. 9% are true lesions that are resolved through conventional endodontic treatment. They are most frequently found among women and adults. Some authors report no prevalence due to age or sex; others hold this lesion to be more frequent among males and that it affects the anterior maxillary region. These cysts occur in association with a necrotic tooth in the form of a granuloma as a defensive hyperplasic reaction to an inflammatory stimulus. Clinically, they are asymptomatic and most do not produce bone expansion; however, when they do produce extension, this tends to occur in the vestibular zone. They do not generate changes in the soft tissues, although they can cause deterioration and pain as well as fistula formation. The main treatment consists of conventional endodontics followed by radiographic observation of the lesion; another option is endodontics and apicectomy or curettaje of the lesion in the apical zone; extraction of the dental unit and subsequent curettaje of the zone is performed to eliminate any remaining cells. In extensive lesions, decompression helps to decrease the size of the cyst and is followed by enucleation.