What is the most common type of cyst associated with an unerupted tooth?

The most common type of cyst associated with an unerupted tooth is the dentigerous cyst. This type of cyst typically forms around the crown of an unerupted tooth, particularly the third molars and canines. Dentigerous cysts originate from the dental follicle, which is the sac that surrounds the developing tooth. This association with unerupted teeth is critical, as the cyst often appears in radiographic imaging as a well-defined unilocular radiolucency surrounding the crown of the tooth.

Understanding the characteristics of dentigerous cysts helps in diagnosing conditions affecting unerupted teeth. They are often asymptomatic but can lead to complications if they increase in size or become infected. Thus, identifying a dentigerous cyst in patients with unerupted teeth is crucial for proper management and treatment planning. The prevalence of dentigerous cysts in association with unerupted teeth is a key reason for selecting this answer.

In contrast, while radicular cysts are the most common type of jaw cyst overall, they are typically associated with non-vital teeth rather than unerupted ones. The odontogenic keratocyst and follicular cyst are less commonly related to unerupted teeth, with the follicular