Bilateral Dental Lamina Cysts of the Newborn: A Rare Case Report with Atypical Mandibular Location and Spontaneous Resolution

Abstract

Oral cystic lesions in newborns are often benign, self-limiting, and require no intervention. Among these, dental lamina cysts (DLCs) – also known as gingival cysts of the newborn – are frequently observed but rarely reported, especially when presenting bilaterally on the mandibular alveolar ridge. DLCs or alveolar cysts are found on the ridge of newborn or very young infants which represent cysts originating from remnants of the dental lamina. They were postulated to be found along the crest of the ridges. These terms, however, are frequently confused and used synonymously. These cysts in the oral cavity are classified into palatal (located in midline raphe) and alveolar cysts (present on the crests of alveolar ridges). Alveolar cysts have also been referred to as “gingival cysts” or “inclusion cysts” in some texts. This case report describes a 2-month-old male infant with bilateral, soft, fluid-filled swellings on the posterior region of the mandibular alveolar crest, corresponding to the future eruption sites of teeth 74 and 84. The lesions were asymptomatic and had been present since birth without any noticeable progression, and there was no hindrance in feeding. Clinical evaluation led to a provisional diagnosis of DLCs. At a 4-month follow-up, spontaneous resolution of the lesions was observed. This report highlights the importance of recognizing the clinical presentation of neonatal oral cysts, understanding their benign and transient nature, and avoiding unnecessary interventions through parental counseling and monitoring.