«You have a tooth cyst!» – many patients at dental clinics have heard this diagnosis. However, few of them actually understand what a tooth cyst is. In this article, we will explain this condition and discuss the possible treatments.
What is a tooth cyst?
A tooth cyst is a pathological formation that represents a cavity in the form of a capsule. A tooth cyst forms within the jawbone, most often around the apex of a tooth root.
These formations usually occur when microorganisms enter the tooth. It acts as a kind of protective barrier meant to contain the infection in one place.
How does this condition manifest?
- unpleasant sensations or pain in the tooth when chewing hard food;
- redness of the gum in the area of the tooth root projection, which gradually enlarges;
- formation of a fistula with the discharge of pus;
- general weakness, elevated temperature, and malaise.
At a certain point, the cyst may burst, making the pain significantly worse!
Causes of a tooth cyst
There are many reasons for cyst formation:
- untreated caries;
- tooth trauma;
- presence of diseases such as periodontitis or periodontal disease;
- chronic ENT diseases;
- weakened immunity;
- complicated eruption of wisdom teeth;
- poorly installed fillings when the canal is not completely sealed.
The last point is related to improper dental treatment. Therefore, it is important to carefully choose a dental clinic that provides high-quality endodontic therapy.
Types of tooth cysts by location
Depending on the location, there can be different types of cysts:
- gum cyst – a fistula forms in any area of the gum, accompanied by tingling. The fistula fills with pus gradually;
- root cyst – in this case, the pathology often does not manifest itself for a long time. Pain and pus appear only at the final stage. Location – interradicular, periapical, or around the root;
- cyst under a tooth crown – forms due to incorrect crown installation. Cause – food accumulation and bacterial growth under the prosthesis. This type is difficult to detect, and treatment may require crown removal;
- tooth cyst after extraction – a rare pathology. It can only be noticed when it extends into the soft tissue of the gum;
- tooth cyst in the maxillary sinus – one of the most insidious types. Even a large formation may go undetected. Special equipment is needed for diagnosis;
- wisdom tooth cyst – associated with the complicated eruption of the “eighth” tooth. Treatment usually ends with tooth extraction.
How to treat?
Previously, the only solution was to remove the tooth with the cyst. Dentistry has made huge advances, and now there is a chance to save the tooth. However, it should be noted that cyst treatment requires a highly skilled dentist, as the process is complex and lengthy.
Clinics offer the following options:
- Therapeutic treatment of the cyst, when the dentist opens the tooth crown and gains access to the formation through the root canal. Then the cavity is flushed with antiseptics. Result – the capsule is destroyed, and the area is sealed with special medications.
Therapy is possible if:
- the cyst is small;
- the affected tooth is not devitalized.
- Surgical treatment. The doctor removes the cyst through a lateral gum incision. Depending on the nature of the cyst, there are different techniques.
The success of treatment largely depends on the stage of the process.
This treatment is applied if:
- the tooth canals are poorly filled;
- the tooth has a crown;
- the cyst is large, and the pathology is accompanied by gum swelling.
Do not forget to visit the dentist every six months for a preventive check-up. And, of course, follow all recommendations, including taking X-rays, as the dentist diagnoses the cyst using imaging and monitors its progress over time.
