Among the various dental conditions, jaw cysts are uncommon yet concerning mouth condition. If there is an unwanted lump in the jaw along with pain, it is possible that there is a cyst. Based on research, there are several types of jaw cysts. Let’s read ahead and uncover everything about jaw cyst treatment, symptoms, types, and more!

What is A Jaw Cyst?

A jaw cyst is a sac-like structure that is filled with liquid or semi-liquid matter. These are usually slow in growth, so the patient may not feel their presence immediately. These jaw cysts usually grow from the jawbone or soft tissue inside your mouth. The growth of a cyst in the mouth is usually benign or non-cancerous.

Therefore, it is possible that they may damage the tissues inside the mouth, but they will not spread further into the body. In very rare cases, a jaw cyst can be malignant or cancerous. However, no matter which case it is, if the symptoms are felt, the patient needs to consult a professional healthcare provider for assistance and further action.

Symptoms of Jaw Cyst

As mentioned, most of the cysts grow slowly so they do not show any symptoms. However, when the growth happens near the healthy tissues of the mouth, there can be some potential symptoms.

Pain in the jaw
Tenderness and numbness in the jaw
A lump on your jawbone.
Swelling
Shift in the bite
Loose teeth
If any of these symptoms are witnessed, consult a dentist for further assistance.

How a Jaw Cyst is Detected?

Well, based on the initial analysis of the symptoms, there are several ways in which a healthcare provider can diagnose the jaw cyst. Here are some of those methods!

X-rays
Computer tomography scan or CT scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Besides these, the cancerous or non-cancerous nature of the cyst is detected based on biopsy.

In a biopsy, a sample of the fluid in the sack or tissue is taken and analysed by a pathologist under a microscope. Based on the cell analysis, biopsy reveals answers to several questions, such as

Type of cyst
The growth speed of the cyst
Benign or malignant

What Are the Types of Jaw Cysts?

Based on the area of growth (tissue involved in growth development or other tissue), there are several types of jaw cysts. Here are the types of jaw cysts!

1. Periapical cysts: When there is any kind of injury to the tooth that causes inflammation, periapical cysts can easily develop. These are the most common types of jaw cysts.

2. Dentigerous cysts: After periapical cysts, these are the most common type of jaw cysts. These cysts grow slowly, and they usually grow around the tooth tissue that has not burst or erupted into your mouth. There are two primary places where these cysts grow in the mouth, including the molars and upper canines.

3. Odontogenic keratocysts: These are also slow-growing cysts that usually grow near the molars. An odd thing about these cysts is that smaller ones do not cause any pain, but the larger ones cause extreme pain with swelling.

All the described cysts are non-cancerous cysts. When we talk about cancerous cysts, they are limited!

Carcinoma: This type of condition begins from the tissue lined with the organs. It further spreads to internal passageways and skin.
Sarcoma: This dental condition begins from the bone and the surrounding tissue.

How Can My Jaw Cyst be Treated?

Jaw cysts are treated by Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons.

The usual treatment options are as follows :

1. Cysts enucleation - the cyst is removed in single stage completely by a surgery called enucleation

2. ⁠cyst marsupialisation - cyst is uncovered and contents drained. This is followed by dressings till the cyst regresses in size

3. ⁠staged treatment - first enucleation followed by marsupialisation

The treatment is always decided by the doctor looking at all factors like age, size of cyst , type of cyst etc

Conclusion

No matter if it is a slow-growing cyst or an aggressive one, in case of any symptoms, the patient should rush to their dentist for the best advice. It is necessary to know if it is cancerous or not so that immediate contracting measures can be taken for optimum health. Make sure to find and consult the best professional.

References:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/jaw-cysts-tumors
https://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/tumors-on-jaw#treatment