infected dentigerous cyst with an unusual finding: a case report

Dentigerous cysts are developmental odontogenic lesions and represent the second most common type of jaw cysts, typically associated with the crowns of unerupted or impacted teeth. they are frequently discovered incidentally during routine radiographic evaluations, particularly in younger individuals. the present study describes a rare case of a 62-year-old edentulous female who presented with purulent discharge beneathher maxillary complete denture. clinical and radiographic examinations, including cone-beam computed tomography (cbct), revealed an infected dentigerous cyst associated with an impacted maxillary canine and an unusual pattern of coronal tooth resorption. this finding is atypical, as dentigerous cysts are more commonly linked to root resorption. the case underscores the diagnostic value of cbct in evaluating atypical presentations of odontogenic cysts and highlights the importance of early detection and management to prevent complications such as infection and structural compromise.