Dentigerous Cyst Radiograph — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: E — A well-defined, usually unilocular radiolucency surrounding the crown of an unerupted tooth
Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · D = shown as B · B = shown as C · C = shown as D · A = shown as E
A is correct. A dentigerous cyst classically presents as a well-defined, usually unilocular pericoronal radiolucency surrounding the crown of an unerupted or impacted tooth. The border is commonly corticated unless the lesion is infected. Although occasional large dentigerous cysts may appear multilocular, a coarse soap-bubble pattern is more characteristic of lesions such as ameloblastoma. A radiopaque mass fused to a tooth root suggests cementoblastoma. A diffuse ground-glass appearance is typical of fibrous dysplasia, while multiple punched-out radiolucencies raise concern for a multifocal process such as multiple myeloma. The characteristic appearance supports a radiographic differential diagnosis but is not pathognomonic; definitive diagnosis requires correlation with clinical and histopathological findings.
Reference: Perez A, Lenoir V, Lombardi T. Dentigerous Cysts with Diverse Radiological Presentation Highlighting Diagnostic Challenges. Diagnostics. 2022;12(8):2006. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36010356/