What is the preferred treatment method for a cyst located at the apex of an upper central incisor?

The preferred treatment method for a cyst located at the apex of an upper central incisor is making a mucoperiosteal flap and removing the cyst through an opening made in the alveolar bone, followed by endodontic treatment. This approach allows for direct access to the cyst, enabling complete removal while minimizing trauma to the surrounding structures. The creation of a mucoperiosteal flap facilitates better visualization and access to the cystic lesion, ensuring that all pathological tissue is adequately excised.

Additionally, performing endodontic treatment after cyst removal addresses any underlying infection and preserves the tooth, which is vital for maintaining dental function. This method is particularly effective because it combines both the surgical management of the cyst and the necessary restoration of the tooth that may have been affected by the cystic process.

In contrast, simply extracting the tooth may lead to the loss of the incisor and its associated functions without addressing the cyst, while exteriorizing the cyst through the buccal bone may not provide sufficient access and could result in complications. Routine orthograde endodontic treatment followed by observation does not address the cyst directly and may allow persistent issues if the cyst continues to affect the tooth’s health. Hence, the selected method is comprehensive and effectively addresses the