Cyst Removals in Lethbridge
We offer cyst removal services to our Lethbridge patients for many different types of cysts. If you notice swelling in your mouth, you might require a cyst removal.
What is a Cyst?
A cyst is lined with a kind of tissue called epithelium. This type of tissue normally is found in surface layers, such as the skin and the lining of the mouth. Cysts may form when epithelium cells move into deeper body layers and begin to multiply.
Oral cysts are found in the head or neck. They can be in the jawbone, or in soft tissues such as the salivary glands, skin or inside the mouth.
A cyst is not cancerous.
Odontogenic Cysts
Sometimes a cyst in the jawbone is lined with epithelium that normally forms teeth. This is called an odontogenic cyst. This type of jaw cyst can grow large enough to move teeth and cause problems with the bite (the way teeth come together).
A large odontogenic cyst also can weaken the jaw because the cyst replaces the hard bone tissue. This makes the jaw more likely to break. The jaw can become inflamed, infected and painful.
Odontogenic Keratocyst
One type of odontogenic cyst, called an odontogenic keratocyst, tends to grow very fast. It is difficult to treat and comes back more often than other types of cysts. People with an inherited condition called basal cell nevus syndrome can form this type of cyst.
Apical Periodontal Cysts
The most common cyst found in the mouth is the apical periodontal cyst. It develops as a result of an infection in the tooth pulp, or nerve. This infection typically is caused by decay.
Dentigerous Cyst
A dentigerous cyst forms at the crown of a tooth that has not yet come into the mouth. This type of cyst can cause roots of already erupted teeth in the area to resorb (dissolve).
What symptoms should I look out for?
A cyst in soft tissue may appear as a small, painless bump. It is often less than 1 inch across. A cyst can be under the skin of the inner lower lip, inner cheek or gums. It usually does not cause pain unless it becomes infected.
A small odontogenic jaw cyst may be painless. You might not notice it. But it can be seen on an X-ray as a dark area in the bone. When an odontogenic cyst becomes large and infected, it may be painful. It also can cause the jawbone to bulge, and teeth to move.
How are cysts diagnosed?
If you have a cyst, your dentist may have an aspirate biopsy performed. In this type of biopsy, fluid from the cyst is removed with a needle. You may also have another type of biopsy, in which a small piece of tissue or the entire cyst is removed.
The fluid or tissue is analyzed in a laboratory. Without treatment, a cyst may continue to get larger. Sometimes they grow back even after they've been surgically removed.
How are cysts treated?
While there is no way to prevent a cyst from occurring, there are many treatment options. Usually, the cyst is removed by surgery. An oral surgeon usually does this procedure under local anesthesia. If the cyst is infected, you may be given antibiotics.
What should I do if I think I have a cyst?
Call us if you notice swelling in your mouth or near your jaw. It may be either painful or painless. Sometimes a very young child will have a cyst at the site where a tooth is erupting. If this is the case, you will notice a small bulge of soft tissue sitting on the jaw ridge over the tooth crown. If this bulge is red, it may be tender or painful.
Call your dentist if you notice that a tooth has moved. Sometimes the cause is an odontogenic cyst.