Cyst on gums or dental cyst occurs in many person’s mouth as a result of a tooth with problem or distressed gum in the mouth. A cyst is basically a sac of soft tissue or fluid that forms next to or around a tooth.
They can be seen around the root of impacted wisdom teeth and dead teeth inside of your cheeks, your tongue, your palate, the floor of your mouth, and around any oral piercings that may be present.
Some cysts are not harmful as they are caused by irritation from food debris while some are serious and infected. Cysts become infected when the pulp of the tooth dies and starts swelling. As the size increases, severe amount of pressure is exerted to the bone tissue of the damaged tooth. To better understand what causes cyst on gums, read this article to the end
WHAT CAUSES CYST ON GUMS?
There are many things that can cause cysts on gum, some of the causes of cyst on gums include;
(1) When a tooth grows or positions itself abnormally.
(2) Complication during a root canal. Here a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected.
(3) When a wisdom tooth develops.
(4) Genetic symptoms like gorlin syndrome. If this is the cause, there will be other symptoms.
In some people, dental cysts occur one at a time whereas in others, there may be more. This is due to the condition of their teeth or as a result of other health issue.
TYPES OF DENTAL CYSTS
(1) Dentigerous cyst or follicular cyst : This form close to or on top of the crown of an un-erupted wisdom tooth. This can block blood flow and cause fluid to accumulate. Dentigerous cyst can grow and expand rapidly.To treat this, the affected tooth is extracted and the cyst excised through surgery. However, patient must watch out for recurrence.
(2) Periapical Cyst (Odontogenic Cyst Or Radicular Cyst) : This is the most common dental cyst. It occurs when a pulp tissue caused by decay dies inside the tooth; the death of the tissue is mostly caused by decay. A periapical cyst can become an abscess. Here a pocket of pus that develops near the root of a tooth due to bacterial infection. The treatment method is usually used to remove the infection from inside the teeth ( endodontic therapy). In cases where this method fails, the area of the cyst is cleaned and filled with artificial bone material.
(3) Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumors (KCOTs) : Swelling is often the only symptom associated with this type of cyst. They are mostly discovered in the jawbone. To some experts, the cyst develops in the place the tooth should have. Others argue that the tumors arise from the lamina of impacted teeth.The only way to treat it is through surgical excision , however, the patient will be closely monitored to avoid the cyst recurring again.
(4) Mucocele (Mucous Cyst): This is found in the soft cells areas of your mouth, inner cheek, lip, tongue. They are generally formed because of a trauma or irritability to the tissues in the influenced areas.
SYMPTOMS OF CYST ON GUMS
Cysts are usually used by infection or other teeth issues, they can be symptoms of another underlying health condition.
Some symptoms include:
• Swelling of the gum
• Discomfort or pain when touching a part of your gum.
• Loose teeth
• Sore teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Numbness of a specific part of the face.
If you notice these symptoms and suspect a cyst, be sure to see your doctor as soon as possible.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CYST AND AN ABSCESS
Many confuse cyst to be an abscess when they have swelling and pain in their mouth. But these dental issues should not be interchanged, it is important to know the difference between them.
A cyst, when infected becomes an abscess. Abscesses occur in cyst and around it. That means for an abscess to occur, a cyst must be infected. Abscess is caused by bacteria.
HOW TO GET RID OF CYST ON GUMS
The treatment for dental cyst on gums depends on the size and location. Some can be easily treated using antibiotics recommended and prescribed by a dentist. Most cysts require surgical procedure. The first step for a surgical removal is to examine the cyst through a scan to get more information on the type, location and relationship with other tissues and nerves.
The next step is polishing and scaling. If root canal treatment is needed, it is done before the main surgery. Cyst and other gum symptoms may lead to calculus bridge
The last is the removal. This is done by an oral surgeon and anesthesia is given to eliminate pain during the process. Any tooth within the cyst area is removed and artificial bone materials are used to fill up the space.
Stitches will be used in the gum and removed by the doctor when you have fully healed. Most doctors send the removed cyst to the laboratory for tests to be run, this is to help find out if there are other tumours in the cyst.
CONCLUSION
To avoid cysts, you should take your dental hygiene seriously. This will help to prevent cysts and other dental issues. Also, it is advised to see a dentist at least twice a year. Cysts can affect anyone but the chances of it occuring in an unhealthy teeth are high. Healthy teeth hardly have cysts.
Never write off any pain in your gums or teeth. You should see your dentist if you notice a foul smell coming from your mouth or if you’re bleeding from your tongue, gums, or teeth. If you have a mouth injury or piercing, be sure to see your doctor to know if it’s healing properly.