The eruption cyst (EC) occurs within the mucosa overlying a tooth that is about to erupt. In the past EC was considered a type of dentigerous cyst (DC) occuring in the soft tissues. Twenty four patients (mean age 4.44 years, range 1.0 month - 12 years) with EC were diagnosed and treated. EC was associated with natal teeth in two (8.3%) cases, with primary teeth in 10 (41.6%) cases and with permanent teeth in 12 (50%) cases. There was a gender predilection, the male to female ratio was 2:1. The primary mandibular central incisors and the permanent first molars were the most common site affected. The clinical appearance was a raised, bluish gingival mass on the alveolar ridge. The size was variable and dependent on the size and number of the associated teeth. The type of treatment provided was one of the following: no treatment (10 cases, 42%), extraction (2 cases, 8%) and marsupialization (12 cases, 50%). All surgical specimens underwent histopathologic examination. EC should be recognized as a separate entity from DC and a conservative treatment approach is recommended.

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