Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: lateral periodontal cyst histology: 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: lateral periodontal cyst histology

Sample item

A 45-year-old has a 7 mm well-circumscribed radiolucency between the roots of vital mandibular canine and first premolar. Histology of the removed cyst shows a thin lining with focal thickened plaques of glycogen-rich clear cells. What is it?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Lateral periodontal cyst

A lateral periodontal cyst is a developmental cyst of the lateral root area of vital teeth, most often mandibular canine and premolar. It has a thin non-keratinised lining with focal epithelial plaques of clear glycogen-rich cells. Enucleation cures it.

Option by option

  • A. Paradental cyst

    A paradental cyst follows pericoronitis around a third molar.

  • B. Glandular odontogenic cyst

    A glandular odontogenic cyst has mucous cells and ciliated cells in the lining.

  • C. Radicular cyst

    A radicular cyst needs a non-vital tooth and shows inflammation.

  • D. Lateral periodontal cyst (correct)

    Correct. A small lateral radiolucency at vital teeth with plaques of clear cells fits this cyst.

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, Lateral periodontal cyst. A lateral periodontal cyst is a developmental cyst of the lateral root area of vital teeth, most often mandibular canine and premolar.

Why is "Paradental cyst" not the answer?

A paradental cyst follows pericoronitis around a third molar.

Why is "Glandular odontogenic cyst" not the answer?

A glandular odontogenic cyst has mucous cells and ciliated cells in the lining.

Why is "Radicular cyst" not the answer?

A radicular cyst needs a non-vital tooth and shows inflammation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: lateral periodontal cyst histology in Dentistry. It has a thin non-keratinised lining with focal epithelial plaques of clear glycogen-rich cells. Enucleation cures it.

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: lateral periodontal cyst histology?

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.