Cysts

A cyst is the tumour-like lump, the result of malformation or inflammation. It is important to emphasize that is only tumour-like, and not a tumour, since it is not the result of cell proliferation. No need to be afraid if your doctor mention cysts, if diagnosed in time, they can be treated very well.

In dentistry the two most frequently occurring types of cysts are the following:

Root-end-cyst (Cysta radicularis)

It is attached to the apex of the root of the tooth and is always connected to inflammation. The reason of inflammation is most often a necrosed tooth. In case of teeth with several roots a cyst may develop at one root while at the same time the nerve remains alive in the other roots.

Root-end-cysts, as a rule, have no symptoms for a long time. The first symptom may be a hard lump by the root-end of the necrose tooth. More serious symptoms may arise when the cyst gets infected and develops into an abscess.

Its treatment involves root canal therapy and apicoectomy (when the apex of the root is removed.) In some cases the whole tooth may have to be removed.

Follicular cyst

It forms around unerupted teeth (eg a wisdom tooth or an upper canine). Ususally causes no complaints, it may be recognized on a panorama x-ray.
In such cases usually the tooth and the cyst around it should be removed.