Decompression Obturator Prostheses in the Treatment of Cystic Odontogenic Lesions: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

Abstract

To spare important anatomical structures from damage during treatment of cystic odontogenic lesions, decompression has become a conservative alternative to enucleation. Marsupialization, in combination with the use of a custom-made decompression prosthesis, is an effective method of inducing reduction and bony infill of cystic lesions of the jaw. In this case series and review of the literature, we describe three patients with odontogenic cysts of the mandible who were treated with custom-made decompression obturator prostheses (DOP) at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Dental Service. At the conclusion of treatment, all patients demonstrated complete resolution of their respective bony defects. DOP provide effective means of keeping the cyst opening patent following marsupialization, which allows for adequate, if not complete, resolution of defects, often without need for subsequent enucleation.