Most people do not like to visit dentists and go to the doctor only if severe pain occurs. But there are diseases of the oral cavity, which are almost asymptomatic, but can lead to dangerous consequences. And it is no coincidence that dentists recommend a routine inspection every six months. This is the only way to detect some diseases at an early stage and cure them without removing the teeth. Therefore, you need to visit a doctor even with the slightest discomfort in the oral cavity. One of the most common problems is a tooth cyst. What is this few know. But, despite the fact that in the initial stages it does not cause any unpleasant sensations, this neoplasm is very dangerous if it is not treated.
Tooth cyst - what is it
Translated from Greek, this word means "bubble". This name is not accidental, because a cyst is a small dense mass filled with fluid.
The walls of this tumor consist of several layers of connective tissue and are lined with epithelium from the inside. The cavity is filled with dead cells, bacteria or pus. Most often, a cyst is formed on the
root of the tooth, tightly attaching to it. Therefore, before such a disease was treated only with the help of surgery. Today, there are ways to get rid of a cyst, preserving a tooth. But treatment should be carried out at an early stage, when the disease is almost asymptomatic, and the formation itself is still small. A tooth gum cyst can have different sizes: from 5 millimeters to 5 centimeters. At an early stage, it is called granuloma, with its increase, bone tissue is destroyed. But it grows very slowly, so there is an opportunity to prevent tooth loss.
How to recognize a cyst at an early stage
This formation appears at the place where bacteria enter the body and protects bone tissue from their spread.
In most cases, at an early stage, a cyst on the root of the tooth is detected only during an X-ray examination. The image shows a dark oval-shaped cavity. And the symptoms of the disease are very mild and are often not noticed by the patient. This may be a slight tooth displacement, slight pain when pressed or hit by hot food. But over time, when the body can no longer fight bacteria, the cyst under the tooth begins to grow, and symptoms such as:
- severe pain in the tooth, swelling and redness of the gums;
- signs of purulent inflammation: weakness, fever and swollen lymph nodes;
- a cyst may appear as a “fistula” or a “flux”.
Causes of the disease
So, why can a tooth gum cyst occur?
- almost 70% of cysts occur due to improper treatment. If the channel is not completely sealed, bacteria accumulate in the formed cavity;
- the cavity can form after an injury: fights with blows to the face, falling, and even when cracking nuts;
- bacteria to the root of the tooth can enter the bloodstream during infectious diseases, such as sinusitis;
- with an improperly installed crown, food can fall under it, and this becomes a source of bacterial reproduction;
- if periodontitis is not treated, then the infection penetrates to the roots, and inflammation develops;
- sometimes during teething of wisdom teeth in the gum a pocket is formed in which bacteria accumulate.
What are cysts
1. At the place of education distinguish its types:
- tooth root cyst resulting from improper treatment;
- cyst of wisdom teeth;
- neoplasms can appear in the maxillary sinuses, in such cases they cause severe headaches;
- a cyst can also form on the gum, under the crown, or between the teeth.
2. Due to the appearance of a cyst, there are several types:
- keratocyst - is formed from the remains of tooth-forming tissue at the stage of formation of the body;
- a tooth cyst after removal, which appears if mistakes were made or an infection was introduced, is called residual;
- a follicular or teething cyst occurs if something interferes with teething for a long time, and it remains inside the gums;
- due to untimely treatment or incomplete filling of the channels, a radicular cyst of the tooth occurs (a photo of this neoplasm can be found in our article).
What is dangerous cyst
Most people get scared when they are diagnosed with a tooth cyst. What is this doctors explain very rarely. In fact, this is a benign formation that protects the tissues of the oral cavity from the spread of infection. But the cyst can not perform this function for a long time. Over time, it grows, the teeth next to it begin to decay, and even its rupture and blood poisoning can happen. Removing the cyst on the tooth in this case is possible only with him. This disease is dangerous because in the initial stages it does not manifest itself and can only be detected on an x-ray. And in the advanced stage, serious complications can occur. The rapid growth of the cyst and the development of inflammation are most often triggered by a weakening of the immune system, infectious diseases, or even simple hypothermia of the body. To avoid tooth loss, you need to undergo a long course of treatment.
What complications can a cyst cause?
- destruction of bone tissue, which can lead not only to tooth loss, but also to jaw deformation and even to its spontaneous fracture;
- with a prolonged course of the inflammatory process, the formation of an abscess, osteomyelitis or phlegmon of soft tissues is possible;
- a cyst that occurs in the maxillary sinuses can trigger the development of sinusitis;
- if this benign formation is not treated, the tumor can develop into a malignant one;
- in advanced cases, the development of general blood poisoning is possible.
Tooth cyst: how to treat
Previously, there was only one way to get rid of this formation - surgical. After tooth extraction, the surgeon cleaned the hole from the remnants of the cyst. Now, they resort to this method only in advanced cases, or if another treatment does not help. It is easiest to get rid of a cyst in the early stages of its development when it was detected by x-ray examination. At this time, usually it does not give the patient unpleasant sensations, and there is no severe inflammation. A cyst is treated in two ways: surgical or therapeutic. In most cases, this is a long and painful process, so you need to visit a doctor on time and prevent the development of inflammation.
When tooth loss cannot be avoided
Now dentists are trying to treat a cyst without removing the affected tooth. But in some cases this cannot be avoided. When is it necessary to remove a tooth?
- the cause of the infection is advanced periodontal disease;
- a vertical crack has formed on the root of the tooth or on it;
- root canals are impassable, which makes treatment impossible;
- the tooth is badly damaged and it is too difficult to restore it;
- tooth extraction is also necessary if it is completely located in the cavity of the cyst and is very loose.
Therapeutic treatment of the disease
This is the most preferred method for getting rid of a cyst for a patient. It is possible if the formation is detected at an early stage, has a size of not more than a centimeter and is associated with the root of the tooth. In this case, the dentist can cure the cyst without removing the tooth and without resorting to surgery. This treatment is long and consists of several stages:
- a sick tooth is drilled to the base;
- all channels are well cleared and expanded;
- the cavity is treated with an antiseptic;
- cysts are treated through the channels. There are two ways to do this:
- A special medicine is introduced into the cavity of the cyst that prevents the spread of infection. This is done several times under the control of an X-ray examination.
- A new, more complex method for treating cysts is depophoresis. Copper-calcium dioxide is introduced into the channels. Then, under the influence of a weak electric current, this composition penetrates into the most inaccessible places and removes the infection. It is necessary to carry out at least three procedures.
5. after removal of the source of inflammation, a temporary filling is placed on the tooth . Six months later, a control x-ray examination is performed, and if the cyst has disappeared, a permanent seal is placed.
Surgical treatment of the disease
But, unfortunately, a tooth cyst is often found too late. How to treat her in this case? Only by surgery. Moreover, this can be done without tooth extraction, although not in all cases. Usually, such a method is resorted to when pain, signs of inflammation appeared, and a tooth cyst is already large. The operation is also indicated if a pin or crown is placed on the affected tooth. There are several methods for surgical treatment of the disease:
1. Most often, a cyst on a tooth is removed using cystectomy. This is a rather complicated operation, during which not only the neoplasm, but also the affected root apex is cut out through an incision in the gum. The procedure takes place under general anesthesia, but after it pains and swelling can be felt for a long time. For a complete cure, a course of antibiotics is prescribed.
2. Surgery less sparing for a tooth - hemisection. It is carried out on a tooth with several roots, when one of them is not possible to save. In this case, the cyst is removed along with the root and the affected area of the tooth. After that, you need to put a crown on it.
3. Cystotomy is sometimes used. This operation consists in removing only the front wall of the cyst and treating it. It is done if it is necessary to preserve the tooth completely, for example, in children.
Alternative methods of treatment
Sometimes patients try to relieve pain and inflammation with various rinses or lotions. And only after removal they find out that they had a tooth cyst. A photo of such tissues affected by inflammation shows that they can be treated only by completely removing the source of infection. And in most cases, even strong antibiotics can not cope with this, and folk remedies can only be used as an aid to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. You can not apply hot compresses to the cyst and use hot rinses. The following tools can help:
- frequent rinses with a concentrated decoction of antiseptic herbs: chamomile, sage, calendula or yarrow;
- rinsing with saline;
- pain can be reduced by holding a teaspoon of sesame oil in your mouth;
- you can rinse the area of the affected tooth with vodka or alcoholic horseradish infusion;
- rub gum with garlic or apply a slice to a diseased tooth;
- rinse your mouth with cranberry or lemon juice;
- for rinsing and compresses it is good to use essential oils: tea tree, almond, mint or bergamot.
Disease prevention
Quite often found in patients with a tooth cyst. What is this they would not have to find out if they followed the following methods of prevention:
- you need to visit a dentist regularly, it is best to choose one doctor who is constantly being treated;
- carry out an x-ray examination of the oral cavity annually;
- in time it is necessary to treat all diseases of the teeth and nasopharynx;
- you need to properly brush your teeth and use antiseptic solutions for the oral cavity;
- avoid injuring the jaw and teeth;
- increase immunity and lead a healthy lifestyle.