This epithelium of the pericoronal tissues can give rise to several pathologies such as odontogenic cysts (e.g., dentigerous cyst) and odontogenic epithelial neoplasms (e.g., ameloblastoma). Inflammatory changes in the pericoronal tissue upregulate the cell turnover of epithelial components and can lead to an increase in the thickness of the epithelium. Histologically it is associated with unerupted or impacted teeth, and shows fibrous connective tissue with remnants of reduced enamel epithelium. Radiographically it appears as a thin semicircular radiolucent object, less than 2.5 mm in width. The pericoronal tissue or dental follicle is defined as the soft tissue located between the bony crypt and the impacted tooth and comprises of one of the components of tooth germ.
