Jaw Cyst Removal in Atlanta, GA

What is a Jaw Cyst?

Jaw cysts, sometimes called oral cysts, are tiny sacs of fluid, tissue, or air that sometimes form on the mouth’s interior. They often start near a tooth or at the root of a tooth and may become inflamed or infected if not removed. Not all jaw cysts exhibit symptoms, so patients may not be aware they have them until they are revealed on a dental x-ray. However, left untreated, oral cysts can grow larger, becoming uncomfortable.

Most cysts are not cancerous. They typically form when a tooth’s pulp has died or been removed, leading to localized inflammation. If the cyst grows too large, it can put pressure on the jawbone and surrounding teeth, damaging the bone and compromising teeth stability.

Types of Oral Cysts

  • Dentigerous Cyst: Located on the top of or around an unerupted wisdom tooth.
  • Periapical Cyst: A cyst formed at the base of a tooth due to pulp infection or nerve death. Some periapical cysts form abscesses.
  • Mucocele Cyst: This oral cyst forms in the soft tissues of the mouth, lip, tongue, or inner cheek and is filled with mucous or fluid.
  • Odontogenic Cysts: These cysts are located in the jawbone and are rare. They are also difficult to diagnose and treat due to their location.

Jaw Cyst Removal

If a cyst has no symptoms, it is often first discovered by your dentist when reviewing x-rays. It usually appears as a dark spot on the x-ray near the roots of a dead tooth. Removing a cyst alleviates swelling or discomfort and helps prevent future cyst formation in the same area.

One of our oral surgeons examines the patient’s jaw cyst to determine its size, type, location, and impact on surrounding tissues. Removal is a simple, simple surgical procedure. After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, a small incision is made to reveal the cyst, remove it, and clean the area thoroughly. The incision is sutured closed and will heal within two weeks.

Jaw Cyst Symptoms

While some cysts go undetected for months or years, others trigger symptoms that need addressing by an oral surgeon, including:

  • Pain or pressure near the tooth or within the gums
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • Hoarseness or a chronic sore throat
  • A lump, blister, or sac beneath the gums
  • An unexplained loose tooth or teeth
  • Numbness or tingling in the jaw or mouth
  • Infection

Oral Cyst Prevention

Excellent oral hygiene, including flossing and brushing twice daily, can help prevent jaw cyst formation. Regular dental exams and x-rays can help catch them when they are relatively small and asymptomatic for easier removal.

Jaw Cysts vs. Bone Tumors

Treatment for jaw cysts and bone tumors depends on the type of cyst or tumor. A jaw cyst is the accumulation of fluid or tissue inside a soft tissue sac. A bone tumor in the jaw is abnormal cell growth in the jawbone. The cells may be formed from tooth, bone, or soft tissues. If the cyst or tumor grows rapidly, a more aggressive approach may be needed, including excising more of the cyst or tumor and some surrounding tissue.

If you have a jaw cyst, removing it before it grows larger and causes damage to the teeth and gums is vital. If you have the symptoms of an oral cyst, please get in touch with our office to schedule an evaluation by one of our oral surgeons and discuss treatment options. Give one of our offices a call to schedule an appointment.