Concurrent presentation of dental lamina cysts of the new born and natal tooth in a child: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Dental lamina cysts and natal/neonatal teeth are rare findings in a neonate with the dental lamina cysts presenting as white or pink small nodules, often multiple, approximately 1 to 3mm in diameter. They are usually located on the alveolar mucosa of both maxilla and mandible and also on the midpalatine raphe; the whitish colored lamina cysts found on the alveolar mucosa can be confused clinically with neonatal teeth. Neonatal teeth are teeth found in infants within the first 30 days of life, and they present a social stigma to the parent. They have been reported to be a component of the full complement of teeth in 90-95% of cases. Apart from the social stigmata, they can also induce trauma to surrounding soft tissues and / or to the mother’s breast (Riga-Fede phenomenon). While the dental lamina cysts usually resolve spontaneously within few weeks to months, there are indications that might preclude extraction of a natal/neonatal tooth.

Keywords: Dental lamina cyst, Epstein’s pearls, Mucosal cyst, natal/neonatal tooth