Trauma, solitary bone cyst and delayed eruption of permanent mandibular incisors. An unusual case in a 7-year-old patient

Background Solitary bone cysts (SBC) are uncommon non-neoplastic bone lesions, which present mainly in the mandible. Their aetiology is still obscure, but it has been suggested that they may be a result of trauma in the region. Due to their asymptomatic nature, SBCs are revealed mainly accidentally during routine radiographic examination. Sometimes, patients complain of pain or delayed eruption of teeth. Treatment is recommended because, otherwise, the cyst may become symptomatic or cause a pathologic mandibular fracture.Case report A 7-year-old Caucasian boy presented with delayed eruption of his permanent incisors. His parents reported a history of trauma at 3 years of age. The radiographic examination revealed a bony lesion, largely displacing the permanent incisors and preventing their eruption.Treatment Surgical exploration of the lesion was carried out and the histopathological examination result was consistent with a SBC.Follow-up Two years after the surgical curettage there was radiographic evidence of considerable bony regeneration. The permanent incisors erupted and were vital.Conclusion Clinicians should be aware that SBC is associated with trauma, mainly of the mandible, and with a possible delay of eruption of the corresponding teeth.