Serres, Rests of

Synonyms

Bohn’s nodules; Epithelial cell nests; Epithelial pearls; Epstein’s pearls; Glands of Serres

Anatomy

The rests of Serres are epithelial cell rests derived from the dental lamina. Once deciduous tooth formation has commenced, the dental lamina disintegrates but some small islands may remain. Some of these may proliferate to produce clusters of epithelial cells with tightly packed keratin centrally (Scott and Symons 1977). These may undergo cystic change and are then referred to as a gingival cyst of the newborn (to distinguish it from a gingival cyst of adults) (Shear and Speight 2007). These cell rests may be microscopic and therefore not visible clinically or may appear as firm raised nodules with a white appearance. Shear and Speight (Shear and Speight 2007) have pointed out that there is confusion regarding the terms Bohn’s nodule and Epstein’s pearls. They have clarified the matter, so that Epstein’s pearls occur in the midline of the palate along the line of closure of...