Chairside Fabrication of Obturators for Cyst Marsupialization and Decompression

Marsupialization of cysts has been an accepted treatment for dental cysts, especially dentigerous cysts. Components like IV tubing have often been the material of choice for drains, allowing the cysts to involute and heal from the outside in. These drains often need replacing, can be infection risks for long term placement, and can easily be dislodged. However, it is possible to make a chairside obturator using materials already found in pediatric dental offices -- such as band and loop, distal shoes and resin. Using these obturators allows for easy adjustment, tooth-bourne stabilization and the ability to radiographically monitor the cyst involution. This presentation will focus on the how, why and clinical success of these obturators in the pediatric dental clinic at a large children's hospital.