What is a Dental Cyst?
If you have a dental cyst, there may not be any need to worry. Most often, as these cysts form, they aren’t infectious - and, if treated early, won’t impact your oral health at all.
So, what is a dental cyst?
A dental cyst is a closed sac whose contents can vary from person to person. And there are a couple of different types, some containing air or soft tissue, others filled with fluid. These cysts form around teeth, appearing harmlessly at first, but can lead to oral health issues if left untreated.
Periapical Cysts - This type of cyst is found at the tip of the root and is generally caused due to a cracked tooth, dental trauma, decay, or infections. As the pulp tissue inside the tooth dies, inflammation of the area can cause toxins to be released, filling the cyst. This is the most common type of cyst encountered by patients - and is often referred to as a dental cyst.
Other types of cysts include:
Dentigerous Cysts - These cysts are found around teeth that have not yet erupted or are partially erupted. They are commonly found around wisdom teeth.
Keratocysts - Keratocysts can also appear as the result of trauma, but this type of cyst is genetic. They are also aggressive and reappear - even when they have been surgically removed.
Periodontal Cysts - As their name suggests, these cysts are often filled with bacteria and infection because they stem from periodontal disease.
Addressing cysts as they appear is important. Otherwise, they may put pressure on the teeth, throw off your bite alignment, or even cause issues with your jawbone. What’s more is that if the cyst becomes infected, it can turn into an abscess full of bacteria-laden pus, and can spread throughout your mouth - and your body.
What are the Symptoms of a Dental Cyst?
Depending on the type of cyst, you may be able to see it just by examining the inner areas of your mouth. Some will even show up on digital images. The endodontists at Forest Lake Endodontics most often focus on periapical cysts, as they concern the tip of the root and jaw - and they cannot generally be seen unless they have become quite enlarged.
Symptoms of a dental cyst:
- Sensitive tooth or teeth
- Swelling of the gums
- Discomfort in certain areas of the gums
- Numbness in the face
Why Choose Forest Lake Endodontics?
When certain things happen in the mouth - things we aren’t used to experiencing, such as a cyst or abscess - it can feel good knowing that you have a dental team you can trust. At Forest Lake Endodontics, our team is not only highly skilled at diagnosing and treating cysts, but we make the entire process comfortable and pain-free, too.
Thanks to our state-of-the-art technology, we are able to easily diagnose oral health concerns and determine the best method of treatment. Our team is helpful, efficient, and always has your best interest at heart.