Reaching waaaaaay back to my embryology, if you look at the periodontal
ligament under a microscope, you see what IIRC are called "epithelial
rests of Mallasez" or something similar.  At least theoretically some of
these retained epithelial cells can become cystic.  While this is true,
they might as well have become cystic during all the years the tooth has
been in your mouth.  While in rare cases I'm sure this is true (there
are cysts which are associated with impacted teeth, but these are
primarily related to the crown, not the periodontal ligament surrounding
the root), and there is a clinical entity called a residual cyst, I can
honestly say I've never seen this happen post-extraction in 30 years in
practice.  Furthermore, usually the ligament comes out with the tooth
anyway and curettage isn't necessary--it will just make you more
uncomfortable afterwards.
    In some locations it is also risky and can damage other structures.
However, in upper incisors the chance of damage is minimal.  If you came
to me with this request and understood the chance of additional pain, I
would be happy to check the socket and curet if I saw any soft tissue
present--no biggie.

Steve

sjboyle@aol.com Wrote:

Yup .....

Joe

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Joel34