Decompression of a Mandibular Dentigerous Cyst Using a Dual‐Purpose Removable Appliance in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

Dentigerous cysts (DCs) are among the most common odontogenic lesions in mixed dentition. Management strategies vary from radical enucleation—often necessitating the removal of associated tooth germs—to more conservative decompression techniques. In pediatric patients, decompression is preferred as it preserves developing permanent teeth and supports normal eruption. In January 2023, an 8.5‐year‐old male presented to the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Akdeniz University, with swelling in the right mandibular region. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed a unilocular radiolucent lesion associated with primary teeth #84 and #85. These teeth were extracted under local anesthesia, and the clinical, radiographic, and histopathological findings were considered most consistent with a DC showing secondary inflammation. During the same session, a removable acrylic appliance with drainage channels was fabricated from a conventional impression. The patient irrigated the lesion twice daily with saline while wearing the appliance. At 1 month, radiographs showed a reduction in lesion size. After 9 months, tooth #44 erupted into normal position, and the appliance was modified to function as a space maintainer until the eruption of the premolars. Decompression is frequently preferred for treating DC in children; however, silicone drains may reduce comfort and hygiene. In this case, a removable acrylic appliance provided decompression and was subsequently modified to function as a space maintainer. Such removable acrylic appliances may offer practical advantages in selected pediatric patients by facilitating hygiene, supporting eruption, and allowing subsequent space maintenance.