title: Spontaneous complete resolution of a radiolucent shadow associated with an impacted mandibular third molar.
abstract: Impacted third molars are commonly associated with areas of radiolucency, and treatment can damage the adjacent structures, specifically the inferior alveolar nerve. We report a rare and interesting case of a large radiolucent area associated with an impacted mandibular wisdom tooth that resolved over 7 years with no intervention. We postulate that the unexpected movement of the tooth over this time caused spontaneous resolution of the cystic space, a natural decompression, which highlights the option of monitoring.
authors.affiliation: The Eastman Dental Hospital, Oral Surgery Department, 256 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8LD. Electronic address: ambareen.naqvi@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Ambareen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Naqvi
authors.affiliation: The Eastman Dental Hospital, Oral Surgery Department, 256 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8LD.
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Steel
authors.affiliation: The Eastman Dental Hospital, Oral Surgery Department, 256 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8LD.
authors.forename: Sonita
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Koshal
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008340:Mandibular Nerve; D008964:Molar, Third; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D014095:Tooth, Impacted
keywords: Dentigerous cyst; Natural decompression; Spontaneous regression