LANG_NAVIGATION_TITLE Home / Tooth diseases  

Dental cysts

Dental cysts are usually caused due to root infection involving the tooth affected greatly by carious decay . The resulting pulpal necrosis causes release of toxins at the apex of the tooth leading to periapical inflammation. This inflammation leads to the formation of reactive inflamatory (scar) tissue called periapical granuloma further necrosis and damage stimulates the Malassez epithelial rests, which are found in the periodontal ligament, resulting in the formation of a cyst that may be infected or sterile (The epithelium undergoes necrosis and the granuloma becomes a cyst). These lesions can grow into large lesions because they apply pressure over the bone causing resorption . The toxins released by the breakdown of granulation tissue is one of the common causes of bone resorption.

Clinical features

Expansion of the cyst causes erosion of the floor of the maxillary sinus. As soon as it enters the maxillary antrum the expansion starts to occur a little faster because there is space available for expansion. Tapping the affected teeth will cause shooting pain. This is virtually diagnostic of pulpal infection.

Radiographically it is virtually impossible to differentiate granuloma from a cyst. If the lesion is large it is more likely to be a cyst. Radiographically both granuloma and cyst appear radiolucent, associated with the apex of non vital tooth.

Treatment

If the cyst is small endodontic therapy may help. Larger cysts will have to be surgically removed.