A dental cyst is a pathological cavity that can develop within the tissues of the jaws, sometimes in association with a tooth or tooth root.
Some jaw cysts cause no obvious symptoms and are discovered unexpectedly on a dental X-ray. Others can become larger and may be associated with swelling, infection, discomfort or effects on nearby teeth and structures.
How is a dental cyst diagnosed?
Assessment normally involves a clinical examination together with appropriate dental imaging. Further investigations may sometimes be required depending on the appearance, position and size of the lesion.
Because different conditions can produce similar appearances, establishing an appropriate diagnosis is an important part of treatment planning.
How are dental cysts removed?
Treatment depends upon the nature, location and size of the cyst.
Some cysts can be surgically removed in their entirety in a procedure known as enucleation. Larger lesions or particular types of cyst may require a different surgical approach.
Where appropriate, surgically removed tissue can be sent for histopathological examination so that it can be examined microscopically and the diagnosis confirmed.
Any associated tooth may also require treatment depending upon the underlying cause.
