Radiolucency around the crown at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) of an impacted molar is likely indicative of which condition?

Radiolucency around the crown at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) of an impacted molar is likely indicative of which condition?

• A. Osteosarcoma
• B. Dental abscess
• C. Dentigerous cyst
• D. Odontogenic keratocyst

Answer: (C)

The presence of radiolucency around the crown at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) of an impacted molar is commonly associated with the development of a dentigerous cyst. This type of cyst often forms around the crowns of unerupted teeth and is characterized by a well-defined radiolucent area observable on radiographic images. The cyst originates from the dental follicle, which is the structure surrounding the developing tooth. In the case of an impacted molar, a dentigerous cyst appears as a radiolucent area since the fluid-filled cyst is less dense than the surrounding bone, leading to the typical presentation at the CEJ. Recognizing this radiolucent pattern helps clinicians identify the problem and consider appropriate treatment options, such as surgical removal of the cyst and the impacted tooth. Other conditions listed do not typically present with the specific radiographic features associated with a dentigerous cyst. For instance, an osteosarcoma would usually present as a more aggressive radiographic finding with bone destruction, while a dental abscess is often localized to the apex of a tooth, and an odontogenic keratocyst would have different radiographic characteristics and often involves adjacent teeth. Thus, identifying the radiolucency

The presence of radiolucency around the crown at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) of an impacted molar is commonly associated with the development of a dentigerous cyst. This type of cyst often forms around the crowns of unerupted teeth and is characterized by a well-defined radiolucent area observable on radiographic images. The cyst originates from the dental follicle, which is the structure surrounding the developing tooth.

In the case of an impacted molar, a dentigerous cyst appears as a radiolucent area since the fluid-filled cyst is less dense than the surrounding bone, leading to the typical presentation at the CEJ. Recognizing this radiolucent pattern helps clinicians identify the problem and consider appropriate treatment options, such as surgical removal of the cyst and the impacted tooth.

Other conditions listed do not typically present with the specific radiographic features associated with a dentigerous cyst. For instance, an osteosarcoma would usually present as a more aggressive radiographic finding with bone destruction, while a dental abscess is often localized to the apex of a tooth, and an odontogenic keratocyst would have different radiographic characteristics and often involves adjacent teeth. Thus, identifying the radiolucency