A review of odontogenic keratocysts and the behavior of recurrences

Objective The purpose of this study is to report experiences of odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) and analyze information regarding recurrences to better understand the nature of recurrences. Study design Fifty-one cases of OKC treated at the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, from 1988 to 2003 were studied retrospectively. Clinicoradiographic features, histologic features, and methods of treatment were reviewed. Recurrences were analyzed and compared with respect to sites of involvement, relationship to the remaining teeth, and methods of treatment. Results OKCs occurred predominantly in the 11- to 40-year-old age group. The body-angle-ramus area of mandible was the most common site of occurrence. Radiographically, the unilocular to multilocular radiolucency ratio was 2.5:1. Multilocular lesions occurred more frequently in the mandible ( P Conclusions According to a high recurrent rate of OKCs treated by enucleation, clinicians should give more attention to the dentate area if the enucleation is chosen as the treatment of choice.