Study puts dentigerous cyst prevalence at 33.3% in dogs

A new Journal of Small Animal Practice study adds updated prevalence data to a familiar veterinary dentistry problem: dentigerous cysts around unerupted teeth in adult dogs. Reviewing roughly 13,000 records from January 2017 through June 2023, investigators identified 285 unerupted teeth in 206 dogs, and 95 of those teeth, or 33.3%, had associated dentigerous cysts. The most common unerupted teeth were mandibular first premolars, mandibular third molars, and mandibular central incisors. Brachycephalic dogs had significantly higher odds of cysts than non-brachycephalic or mixed-breed dogs, and neutered males had higher odds than intact females. Notably, the authors concluded that close monitoring of unerupted teeth without radiographic evidence of cysts may be a reasonable minimally invasive alternative to prophylactic extraction in some cases. (researchprofiles.ku.dk)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the study sharpens risk stratification rather than simply repeating the message that unerupted teeth can be dangerous. Prior literature and reference guidance have emphasized that dentigerous cysts can expand silently, damage adjacent teeth, and destroy jawbone, especially around mandibular first premolars and in brachycephalic dogs. But this new paper suggests the decision to extract every unerupted tooth prophylactically may deserve a more individualized discussion when radiographs are negative, even as dental imaging remains essential whenever an adult dog has a clinically missing tooth. (merckvetmanual.com)

What to watch: Expect discussion over whether this paper changes extraction-first protocols, or mainly reinforces the need for consistent intraoral radiography and case-by-case follow-up plans. (researchprofiles.ku.dk)