Australian Dental Council (ADC) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Marsupialization is a surgical procedure primarily used to treat cysts, particularly odontogenic cysts such as keratocystic odontogenic tumors or other types of jaw cysts. This technique involves creating a surgical incision in the cyst wall and suturing the edges to the surrounding tissue, effectively converting the cyst into a pouch or "marsupial." This allows for continuous drainage of the cyst contents, reduces pressure, and promotes healing by allowing the area to fill with granulation tissue instead of allowing the cyst to remain a closed cavity.

The rationale behind using marsupialization for cysts is that it can help reduce the size of the cyst and facilitate complete removal at a later stage if necessary, while also minimizing complications such as pain and infection. The procedure is particularly beneficial for larger cysts that may be difficult to treat through other means, allowing for a less invasive approach that preserves surrounding structures.

In contrast, conditions like pericoronitis, abscesses, and periodontal pockets typically require different surgical or therapeutic approaches that address acute inflammation, infection, or periodontal disease rather than the slow-growing nature of cysts that marsupialization is designed to manage. Thus, the use of marsupialization is specifically tailored to the