The clinical behaviour of cysts of the jaws has been under close scrutiny over the last few years as it has been found that there is in some types a distinct risk of recurrence. This recurrence may occur even after as long as 20 years, so that long term follow-up is essential. The clinical and histological features may be important clues in determining the prognosis and the risk of recurrence of the various jaw cysts. The data of jaw cysts seen at the Dental Department, St. Luke's Hospital, Malta during the decade 1960 – 1969 is collected in order to establish a base line for future comparative studies. There were 49 patients with cysts of the jaws and histological examination was made in 31 cases. The preponderance of periodontal cysts (30.6%) agrees with most large surveys reported, as does the percentage incidence (16.3%) of dentigerous cysts.

peer-reviewed