Background: Collagen fibers have a role in the pathogenesis of odontogenic cysts. The precise role of epithelium has been described in detail but still the role of connective tissue in pathogenesis of odontogenic cysts is not yet well established.

Aims and Objectives: To assess the influence of collagen in the expansion of odontogenic cysts OKC and DC and also to correlate the thickness of collagen fibers by picrosirius red stained section.

Materials and Methods: We carried out our study in 20 histopathologically confirmed cases of odontogenic keratocyst and dentigerous cyst, retrieved from the archives of the department. Histochemical staining of the sections was carried out with picrosirius red stain and then observed under polarized microscope. Results were analysed statistically.

Results: Odontogenic keratocysts when compared with dentigerous cysts showed more greenish yellow birefringence of thick fibers and orange red birefringence of the thin fibers. 

Conclusion: Difference in birefringence of collagen fibers by picrosirius red polarization method can be a helpful diagnostic means to distinguish odontogenic keratocyst and dentigerous cyst. This may help us in predicting the biologic behavior and prognosis of odontogenic cysts.

Key Words: Collagen fibers, Dentigerous cyst, Odontogenic keratocyst, Picrosirius stain.

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Dr Swathi Jahagirdar

Senior Lecturer, Dept of Oral Pathology,

Government Dental College, Hyderabad Telangana State