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Dental and Oral Cysts: Everything to Know About These Benign Growths
Oral cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form in the jawbone or soft tissues of the mouth. While the term may sound alarming, most dental cysts are benign (non-cancerous) growths that require professional attention. This guide covers the causes, symptoms, and treatments for these common but little-known oral pathologies.
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Any unusual lump, bump, or swelling in your mouth that persists for more than two weeks should be evaluated by a dentist.
What Exactly is a Dental Cyst?
A dental cyst is a closed sac of tissue that can contain fluid, air, or soft material. The most common type, a periapical cyst (or radicular cyst), forms at the tip of a tooth's root. These cysts develop slowly and are often a response to a chronic infection or inflammation from a dead or dying tooth nerve.
Common Causes of Dental Cysts
Cysts form for several reasons, primarily related to the teeth and their surrounding structures:
- Infection from a Necrotic Tooth: This is the most frequent cause. An untreated deep cavity or trauma can kill the tooth's pulp (nerve). The resulting infection can spread out from the root tip, leading to the formation of a cyst.
- Impacted Teeth: A dentigerous cyst can form in the tissue surrounding the crown of an unerupted tooth, most commonly a wisdom tooth.
- Genetic Syndromes: In rare cases, multiple cysts can be a feature of certain genetic conditions.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Dental Cyst
Dental cysts are often asymptomatic and grow slowly, which is why they are frequently discovered incidentally during a routine dental X-ray. However, as a cyst enlarges, it can cause signs and symptoms such as:
- A noticeable bump or swelling on the gum or in the jawbone.
- Dull, persistent pain or pressure in the affected area.
- Weakness or numbness in the jaw.
- Shifting or loosening of adjacent teeth.
If a cyst becomes infected, it can turn into a painful dental abscess, causing severe pain, swelling, and fever.
How are Dental Cysts Treated?
The treatment for a dental cyst involves removing the source of the problem and the cyst itself. The approach depends on the cyst's size, location, and the health of the associated tooth.
- Treating the Source Tooth: If the cyst is caused by an infected tooth, an endodontic treatment (root canal) is performed to clean out the infection from inside the tooth.
- Surgical Removal (Enucleation): The cyst is surgically removed by an oral surgeon or dentist. This procedure is often done at the same time as a root canal or apicoectomy (removal of the root tip). The removed tissue is typically sent for a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
- Extraction: In some cases, if the tooth is too damaged to be saved, both the tooth and the cyst will be extracted.
Can a Dental Cyst Be Cancerous?
The vast majority of odontogenic (tooth-related) cysts are benign. However, some types of cysts, though rare, have the potential to become aggressive or, in extremely rare cases, develop into a type of tumor. This is why it is standard procedure for any surgically removed cyst to be sent to a laboratory for pathological examination to confirm that it is benign.
Conclusion: The Importance of Early Detection
Dental and oral cysts are common and usually benign. However, because they can grow and damage surrounding teeth and bone without causing early symptoms, regular dental check-ups with routine X-rays are crucial for early detection. If you notice any unusual swelling, bumps, or persistent discomfort in your mouth, see your dentist for an evaluation.
FAQ: Your Top Questions About Dental Cysts
A dental cyst itself is usually not an emergency as it grows very slowly. However, if it becomes infected and turns into a painful abscess with swelling, it becomes a dental emergency that requires immediate attention.
A cyst is a chronic, slow-growing, self-contained sac of fluid. An abscess is an acute, painful collection of pus caused by an active bacterial infection. A chronic, untreated cyst can become acutely infected and turn into an abscess.
No, a true dental cyst will not go away on its own and will not resolve with antibiotics alone. The cyst lining must be surgically removed to prevent it from recurring or continuing to grow.