Cysts and cystectomy

Dental cysts are pathological cavities lined with tissue and filled with fluid that can develop in the jaws and soft tissues (lips, cheeks, etc.).

Dental cysts form as a reaction of the body to constant infection that comes through the root tip of an infected tooth pulp (gangrene), they can appear around the crown of an unerupted tooth, due to epithelial division during tooth eruption, or due to trauma…

If multiple infected teeth are in the mouth, a cyst can form on each one. There is a higher likelihood of occurrence in individuals with poor oral hygiene and teeth with extensive caries. This is something that must be understood regarding dental cysts.

It is often the case that dental cysts may not show symptoms until they reach a certain size or until an acute infection occurs. Symptoms indicating the presence of a dental cyst can include tooth discoloration, a hard lump on the bone above the tooth, pain, swelling, redness, fistula at the root, and nasal discharge.

The consequences of cyst growth can be significant, ranging from resorption of the surrounding bone to damage to adjacent teeth, penetration into the sinus or nose, or even causing acute infection resulting in facial swelling and pain.

It is not uncommon for a cyst to reach the sinus cavity, especially when caused by an upper tooth. Infections are mainly caused by caries or improper tooth growth. To detect cysts more easily, it is important to take an orthopantomogram.

When a dark cavity appears around a tooth, it can confirm the suspicion of a cyst. The first stage of a cyst is the pre-stage, and the next stage can be identified if a microcavity forms around the tooth. Various factors, including changes in the body, injuries, irritations, and chronic problems can cause cysts. Untreated cysts can sometimes lead to tumors, which is the final stage of this problem, but this is not very common.

To recognize a dental cyst, it is necessary to monitor cytological changes that are generally similar to many other problems and symptoms. Cysts can be easily identified when advanced, but by then, it is sometimes too late.

Cysts are detected on X-rays and can be felt during chewing. In later stages, a pus-filled sac and fever may appear. Regular dental check-ups are the best prevention against this problem.

 

Types of dental cysts

Cysts can be categorized by different characteristics, with a common classification being acute dental cysts and chronic dental cysts.

If we notice the initial stage and symptoms, it is usually an acute cyst. If the condition persists, chronic cysts can develop, whose symptoms are much more subtle and harder to detect. They are logically much harder to treat.

Cysts can also be categorized as inflammatory cysts and developmental cysts.

Bacteria often cause the formation of gingival cysts in babies, and there are also eruption, follicular, and gingival cysts in adults. All of these are developmental cysts.

Older individuals often have problems with so-called follicular cysts.

 

Pain caused by cysts

Cysts cause severe pain in the teeth, which can extend to the jawbone. In advanced stages, pain can result from spreading to the nerve, causing pain throughout the bone. Fistulas on the gums indicate cysts, and at this point, surgical intervention is often the only solution. It is a significant problem when cysts reach the nasal cavity as they can cause sinus infections.

 

Treatment and surgery of cysts

Treating cysts is very demanding, and sometimes it is not possible to do it with medication. Therefore, surgery is one of the best solutions and sometimes the only one. A cyst can be surgically removed in two very similar ways: cystostomy and cystectomy. Both methods involve local anesthesia, but cystostomy involves partial removal of the cyst, which also requires the removal of part of the bone. This method is used when the cyst has grown significantly.

The other surgical method involves the removal of the entire cyst at once. Sometimes, the surgery is performed using lasers. Swelling after surgery is present but usually does not last more than two to three days, and the wound often needs to be stitched. The stitches are removed after a few days.

It must be understood that a cyst does not go away on its own, as the problem must be approached systematically. The cyst must be removed to prevent much bigger problems. It can affect other teeth, cause tooth loss, and create significant problems in the sinuses. When a cyst forms on the lower teeth and the lower jaw, it can even lead to jaw fractures.

However, considering the significant problem a cyst can cause, we can say that this price is affordable. It is almost a routine operation that carries some risks if the postoperative course is not followed properly.

Therefore, besides treating the wound itself, it is very important to manage the swelling that occurs and learn how to reduce it using natural methods. After cyst surgery, swelling can last for several days, and cold compresses will help when the swelling first appears. Swelling is nothing more than slight irritation, so if pain occurs, it is necessary to take painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve the pain. Analgesics are always helpful to make the whole process less painful.

 

Preventing the formation of dental cysts

In conclusion, cysts are not overly dangerous if removed in time. However, a dental cyst is a process that occurs due to negligence. Therefore, it is crucial not to allow it to appear. This is achieved with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Although initially, check-ups may be something we dread and fear, they prove to be very significant in the end.

Considering how important it is to have healthy teeth, any necessary intervention on them is of utmost importance. Neglecting dental health can lead to tooth loss and numerous acute and chronic problems arising from various causes.

Myocardial infarction, weakened blood vessels, thyroid problems, kidney issues, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, etc., are just some of these manifestations. Chronic problems arising in the sinuses can also affect processes that extend to the brain. We advise you to check your oral health at our dental office and consult with a dentist on how to prevent all the problems that poor oral health treatment can bring.