What is a dental cyst?
Dental Cyst
A dental cyst is a closed sac of tissues that are filled with either air, soft material, or fluid. Typically, dental cysts develop in soft oral tissues like the gums, lips, and around or next to a tooth. In many cases when a cyst begins to form, it is infection free. However, cysts are inflammatory in nature and can seed into old dental pulp materials affecting the tooth. As the cyst progresses, pressure can develop around the bone structures of the affected tooth and weaken the bone. If a dental cyst is checked and treated, it can resolve. But, if the dental cyst is left unchecked then it can lead to more severe complications, pain, and discomfort. Additionally, the cyst can lead to permanent teeth damage and interrupt your smile.
Why Dental Cysts Develop
Dental cysts usually develop at the tip of the roots of dead or dying tooth. Cysts can form if the tooth or teeth grows and is positioned in an improper way in the mouth. A cyst can also form if a root canal procedure failed or a procedure is ruined. There is also a genetic syndrome known as Gorlin’s syndrome that can cause cysts. Wisdom teeth that are impacted or buried crowns on teeth can lead to cysts. There are various reasons why dental cysts can form and a dentist or dental professional will be able to discuss in detail. The most common occurring dental cysts are: dentigerous cysts, periapical cysts, mucocele cysts, and odontogenic cysts.
Treatment for Dental Cysts
Treatment of dental cysts will be based on the kind of cyst you have and it’s location. A endodontic or root canal procedure and therapy may be used to treat dental cysts. If the cyst is advanced and painful, then a tooth extraction surgery maybe the option. A 3D Cone Beam computer tomography can help detect small cysts and help prevent cysts by eliminating the starting points of cysts.
Prevention of Dental Cysts
To prevent dental cysts, it is imperative to maintain a good oral and dental care routine. Regular brushing and flossing with schedule dental exams and cleanings are integral. If there are any tooth decay, trauma or gum diseases present then prompt consultation with your dental professional is a must. If therapy is indicated, then appropriate therapy or root canal procedure should be undertaken.
If you think you have a dental cyst, don’t delay. Reach out to our team at California Dental Group by calling (800) 407-0161 today to see how we can help you.
