Description: This developmental cyst forms in the nasopalatine duct, and appears on x-ray above the apices of the maxillary incisors. The cyst may overlap the roots of the teeth. It is usually asymptomatic and discovered on routine dental films where it appears as an oval or heart-shaped radiolucent lesion. Rarely this cyst will expand overlying mucosa. It does not interfere with tooth vitality and seldom causes root resorption. It is frequently found in edentulous patients.
Etiology: This is a developmental cyst presumably arising from epithelial remnants in the nasopalatine duct.
Treatment: Surgical enucleation.
Prognosis: Good
Differential diagnosis: Radicular cyst, residual cyst, keratocyst, and central bone tumors.