Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: managing a large dentigerous cyst in a child: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: managing a large dentigerous cyst in a child

Sample item

A 9-year-old has a large dentigerous cyst around an unerupted mandibular second premolar, thinning the lower border of the mandible. The aim is to reduce the lesion and allow the premolar to erupt. What is the best initial approach?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Decompression or marsupialisation

Marsupialisation or decompression lowers intracystic pressure, allows the cyst to shrink and often lets the involved tooth erupt. It is chosen when enucleation would risk the adjacent tooth germs, nerve or jaw strength. Enucleation can follow if the cyst persists.

Option by option

  • A. Aspiration alone with observation

    Aspiration alone does not remove the lining and the cyst refills.

  • B. Enucleation with extraction of the tooth

    Extraction would remove the tooth that the plan aims to preserve.

  • C. Segmental resection of the mandible

    Segmental resection is for aggressive tumours and is far too radical for a cyst.

  • D. Decompression or marsupialisation (correct)

    Correct. Decompression shrinks the cyst and preserves the tooth and surrounding structures.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is D, Decompression or marsupialisation. Marsupialisation or decompression lowers intracystic pressure, allows the cyst to shrink and often lets the involved tooth erupt.

Why is "Aspiration alone with observation" not the answer?

Aspiration alone does not remove the lining and the cyst refills.

Why is "Enucleation with extraction of the tooth" not the answer?

Extraction would remove the tooth that the plan aims to preserve.

Why is "Segmental resection of the mandible" not the answer?

Segmental resection is for aggressive tumours and is far too radical for a cyst.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: managing a large dentigerous cyst in a child in Dentistry. It is chosen when enucleation would risk the adjacent tooth germs, nerve or jaw strength. Enucleation can follow if the cyst persists.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: managing a large dentigerous cyst in a child?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.