Marsupialization and decompression constitute a well-established procedure for treating cavitary bone lesions of the jaw. The technique can be a primary treatment option, especially for pediatric patients with large cysts or lesions involving vital anatomical structures, such as a developing tooth germ. In this procedure, a decompression stent, such as a customized acrylic obturator or space-maintaining appliance, silicone tube, or nasal cannula, is inserted to maintain the patency of the cyst. However, this may cause clinical problems, such as irritation or trauma to the adjacent tissues, as well as discomfort to the patient, or failure of the stent due to cyst shrinkage. It can also be a reason for patient noncompliance.
In the cases described here, a minimally invasive marsupialization technique using a metal tube made from a 16-gauge needle was used for odontogenic cysts in pediatric patients associated with unerupted teeth. Through this method, the lesions were removed, with patient cooperation, and the cyst-associated teeth erupted spontaneously.