Odontogenic cysts: an update

The classification of odontogenic cysts has been widely debated and there has been much debate and controversy about the true nature of some of the lesions. Although cysts are common in the jaws, most are radicular cysts of inflammatory origin or simple dentigerous cysts. Others are less frequently encountered and may present diagnostic difficulties because of their varied features. The previous WHO classification, in 2005, redesignated a number of these lesions as true neoplasms, but this was controversial and was not based on sound evidence. For the latest WHO classification (2017), an international consensus group reappraised these lesions and agreed a terminology and new classification. This brief review presents this new classification, and explains the reasoning behind the agreed terminology.