Other Jaw Cyst

When a jaw cyst expands or becomes inflamed, it can cause swelling, pain, infection, delayed eruption, tooth displacement or altered sensation.

Jaw cysts can be developmental or inflammatory. Periapical cysts are inflammatory and develop at the root apex of a non-vital tooth after inflammation from decay or trauma.

Jaw cysts often cause symptoms late. As a cyst reaches a larger size, it can expand bone and damage adjacent teeth or other structures.

Delayed tooth eruption can be associated with an odontogenic keratocyst. Eruption cysts occur as teeth erupt and may produce swollen tissue with a bluish hue.

Radiographs assess a jaw cyst's size and position, but different cysts cannot be distinguished by radiographic appearance alone. A biopsy can help, although some cysts need removal before their type is certain in the laboratory.

Treatment commonly involves surgical removal with laboratory examination of the tissue. A dentigerous cyst can be treated by removing the impacted tooth with a biopsy, while eruption cysts are often self-limiting.

Treatment may include imaging, biopsy, surgical removal and care for damaged teeth or jawbone. A larger lesion can require removal of adjacent teeth or part of the bone.

Once a jaw cyst reaches a certain size, it can damage the jawbone or adjacent teeth. Some cases require removal of bone or nearby teeth.

Jaw cysts cannot be prevented directly. Regular check-ups once or twice a year can identify a quiet lesion, especially when jaw or tooth pain returns or persists.