Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How common are dentigerous cysts in adult dogs with unerupted teeth
By Heinze, C S et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2026·Focus Tand- & Veterinä·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A cross-sectional radiographic study on the prevalence and distribution of dentigerous cysts in unerupted teeth in adult dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that about one-third of adult dogs with unerupted teeth had dentigerous cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that can develop around these teeth. The research showed that brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs and Pugs) were more likely to have these cysts compared to other breeds. Neutered male dogs also had a higher chance of developing them than intact females. The findings suggest that instead of automatically removing unerupted teeth, vets might monitor them closely with X-rays to check for cysts before deciding on treatment.
People also search for: dog unerupted teeth cysts · brachycephalic dog dental problems · neutered male dog dental health
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and distribution of dentigerous cysts among unerupted teeth in adult dogs based on age, sex, reproduction status and cranial conformation. DESIGN: Cross-sectional radiographic study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records were reviewed to obtain clinical data, including breed, age, sex and reproduction status. Diagnostic dental radiographic imaging was reviewed. Binomial logistic regression was used to investigate factors contributing to the likelihood of having a cyst in dogs with one or more unerupted teeth. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty-five unerupted teeth and 95 (33.3%) dentigerous cysts were identified in 206 dogs out of approximately 13,000 records examined between 01/2017 and 06/2023. The highest frequency of unerupted teeth was found on the mandibular first premolars, mandibular third molars and mandibular central incisors. Regardless of tooth type, prevalence per site was under 50% for all but the mandibular second incisor. Brachycephalic dogs had higher odds of having cysts than non-brachycephalic or mixed breed dogs (odds ratios of 3.39 and 2.79), and neutered male dogs had higher odds than intact females (odds ratio of 1.58). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Results suggest that close monitoring of unerupted teeth without radiographic evidence of associated cysts may be an appropriate minimally invasive treatment method in lieu of prophylactic extraction.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41888382/