National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

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What is a Dentigerous cyst?

Cyst that originates around crown of unerupted tooth
Cyst formed from an infection
Cyst associated with an erupted tooth
Cyst that causes gum inflammation

The correct answer is: Cyst that originates around crown of unerupted tooth

A dentigerous cyst is specifically defined as a type of odontogenic cyst that forms around the crown of an unerupted tooth. This cyst is the most common type of odontogenic cyst and typically arises in the jaw, particularly associated with the third molars (wisdom teeth) or maxillary canines. Its development is linked to the dental follicle—the tissue that surrounds the developing tooth—and it can result in the expansion of the jawbone, which may require surgical intervention if it becomes large. The key characteristic distinguishing a dentigerous cyst from other types of cysts lies in its association with an unerupted tooth, emphasizing the developmental aspect tied to teeth that have not yet emerged through the gum line. This understanding is crucial in dental hygiene and dentistry, as it helps professionals identify and potentially manage such cysts during clinical evaluations or radiographic examinations.