What You Should Know About Jaw Cysts

A jaw cyst is a fluid-filled sac located in the jawbones. Its scientific name is also known as "mandibular cyst" or "dental cyst". It usually occurs as a result of infections originating from the tissues around the teeth.
 

Jaw cysts are one of the most common jaw diseases. These cysts are mostly harmless and do not cause pain. However, when they grow, they can put pressure on the jawbones and affect the surrounding teeth or nerves.

They are usually diagnosed incidentally and discovered during an X-ray scan or dental exam. Depending on factors such as the size, shape, and location of the cyst, surgery may or may not be necessary.

Left untreated, jaw cysts can continue to grow and cause tooth loss, jawbone weakening, and infections. Therefore, diagnosis and treatment of cysts is important.
 

Dental Cyst

Jaw cysts are fluid-filled sacs that accumulate inside the jawbones. Cysts are usually painless and discovered incidentally. Jaw cysts can occur for a variety of reasons, such as infections from the roots of the teeth, injuries to the jaw, tooth extraction, or congenital abnormalities that occur during the development of the jawbones.
 

Dental cysts, on the other hand, are cysts that form on the gums or near the teeth and usually form around the roots of the teeth. Dental cysts can occur after tooth decay, infections, gum disease or tooth extraction. They can be painless and are often discovered incidentally.

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Although jaw cysts and dental cysts have different causes, they have similar symptoms and treatment methods. Therefore, it is important to consult a dentist or maxillofacial surgeon for correct diagnosis and treatment.
 

Cyst Symptoms

They are usually painless and show no symptoms in the jaw, but in some cases there can be bothersome symptoms. These may include:

1. Swelling: Jaw cysts usually present with a swelling below or above the chin.

2. Restriction in mouth movements: May cause restriction in mouth movements. Many people who have difficulty opening their mouth may have a problem such as a jaw cyst.

3. Tooth loss: It can affect the teeth and cause the loss of teeth. Depending on the size of the cyst, loosening, shifting, or removal of the teeth may occur.

4. Gum problems: Jaw cysts can also cause gum problems. The pressure caused by the cyst can cause pain, tenderness or bleeding in the gums.

5. Infection: Infections usually result from the inflammation of the cyst and can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling and fever.

6. Nerve damage: Some jaw cysts can press on nerves, causing nerve damage. In this case, symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the mouth may occur.

7. Cancer: In rare cases, it can turn into cancer. Therefore, it is important to follow up as recommended by your dentist when a jaw cyst is detected.

 

Jaw Cyst Treatments

Treatment varies depending on the size of the cyst, its location, symptoms, and what the pathology is. While some small cysts may show no symptoms and require no treatment, others may cause discomfort and pain and may require surgical intervention.

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Below are a few examples of jaw cyst treatments:

1. Observation: Small, asymptomatic cysts can be left under the supervision of your dentist. Your doctor will monitor the size and growth rate of the cyst.

2. Medication: In some cases, pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to reduce symptoms.

3. Draining the cyst: Large cysts can be drained surgically, especially if they are causing symptoms. During this procedure, your doctor will make an incision and remove the fluid inside.

4. Removal of the cyst: Some cysts may need to be removed completely. During this procedure, the cyst and surrounding tissues are surgically removed. The size and location of the cyst will determine whether it is suitable for this procedure.

5. Root canal treatment: If an infection occurs due to a dental cyst, root canal treatment can be applied. During this procedure, the infection inside the tooth is cleaned and filled.

Jaw cyst treatment may also vary depending on the patient's age, health status, and general health history. Therefore, your doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatment method for you.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Jaw Cysts

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What is a jaw cyst?

It is a fluid-filled sac that forms in the jawbone. These are mostly painless and may go away on their own. In some cases, however, jaw cysts can grow and press on the bones around the jaw, causing discomfort.

 

How is a jaw cyst diagnosed?

Imaging tests such as x-ray, MRI or dental tomography scan are used to diagnose the cyst. These tests help determine the size, location, and structure of the cyst.

 

How are cysts treated?

Small jaw cysts usually do not require treatment and may disappear on their own. However, large or symptomatic cysts can be surgically removed. Surgery can be done under local or general anesthesia and usually requires an incision to be made to access the jawbone.

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Are jaw cysts cancerous?

Cysts seen in the chin are mostly benign and not cancerous. However, in rare cases, they can also appear as cancerous tumors. Therefore, it is important to always consult a specialist.

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Can Jaw Cyst Recur After Treatment?

If the cyst is not completely removed or all of the surrounding tissue is not removed, jaw cysts may recur. Therefore, it is important to completely remove all cysts and surrounding tissues during surgical intervention.

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What is the recovery process like after cyst surgery?

It is normal to feel a slight discomfort after surgery, such as pain, swelling and bruising, which lasts for a few days. You can usually return to normal activities within 7-10 days. However, the full recovery process can take several weeks or months. After the surgical intervention, your dentist will give you all the necessary instructions.

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Are chin cysts dangerous?

When cysts appear on the jaws, they are not usually dangerous. However, neglecting the symptoms and leaving them untreated can cause serious health problems. Large cysts can lead to deformations in the jaw bones, tooth loss, jaw fractures and serious consequences such as facial paralysis by pressing on the facial nerves.

 

Also, some jaw cysts can become infected or cancerous. Therefore, it is important to consult a dentist or dental surgeon for the diagnosis and treatment of the cyst.