A cross-sectional radiographic study on the prevalence and distribution of dentigerous cysts in unerupted teeth in adult dogs.

Monitor unerupted teeth radiographically; extraction may not be necessary without cyst evidence.

This cross-sectional radiographic study examined 206 dogs from approximately 13,000 medical records (2017-2023) to determine the prevalence and distribution of dentigerous cysts associated with unerupted teeth. Researchers identified 285 unerupted teeth, of which 95 (33.3%) had associated dentigerous cysts. Mandibular first premolars, mandibular third molars, and mandibular central incisors showed the highest frequency of unerupted teeth. Notably, cyst prevalence per site remained below 50% for all teeth except the mandibular second incisor. Logistic regression analysis revealed that brachycephalic dogs had significantly higher odds of developing cysts compared to non-brachycephalic (OR 3.39) or mixed breed dogs (OR 2.79). Neutered males demonstrated higher odds than intact females (OR 1.58). The authors suggest that close radiographic monitoring of unerupted teeth without evidence of associated cysts may represent an appropriate, minimally invasive alternative to prophylactic extraction, potentially reducing unnecessary surgical interventions in affected dogs.

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