A dentigerous cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops in a person’s mouth. It is a type of odontogenic cyst. These cysts develop in the jaw bone or soft tissue and appear over the top of a tooth that has not yet erupted.
Dentigerous cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form over unerupted or partially erupted teeth. They usually affect the maxillary canines and third molars, known as wisdom teeth. They are most common in people between ages
Dentigerous cysts can cause no symptoms. However, if a person does not get treatment, the cysts can lead to complications such as infection and tooth loss.
This article will explain more about dentigerous cysts, how healthcare professionals treat them, and complications that can arise if a person does not receive treatment.
A dentigerous cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms over an unerupted or partially erupted tooth, also known as an impacted tooth. It develops when fluid accumulates between the crown of an impacted tooth and the outer layer of enamel.
An impacted tooth is stuck and has not emerged through the gum. These teeth are partially or completely covered by bone, soft tissue, or both.
The dental follicle is the tissue that surrounds the crown of a developing tooth. It
A dentigerous cyst can cause the dental follicle to dilate (become wider), which can prevent the tooth from erupting.
Dentigerous cysts account for
A dentigerous cyst can cause
- swelling
- tooth sensitivity
- the presence of a small bump where the tooth should erupt
- displaced teeth
The growth of a dentigerous cyst can slowly push teeth, nerves, and other mouth structures out of alignment.
A dentigerous cyst develops when fluid
Impacted teeth stay embedded in a person’s gum tissue or jaw bone for longer than usual. These teeth have an increased risk of developing a dentigerous cyst.
A person’s chance of developing a dentigerous cyst increases the longer they have an impacted tooth.
Dentigerous cysts often cause no symptoms. This can make them hard to diagnose.
A medical professional
Orthodontists use X-rays for many reasons, including investigating why a tooth has failed to erupt. This is often when they discover a dentigerous cyst.
Sometimes, people may need surgery for a dentigerous cyst. This is a simple surgical procedure where a dentist
Large cysts may require a treatment called ‘
Once they have drained the cyst fluid, the surgeon then stitches the edges of the open cyst in order to keep it open. This helps prevent a cyst from growing there again.
If a person receives the correct treatment, a dentigerous cyst may cause no complications at all.
Without treatment, the cyst may develop an infection. Pain is often
If a dentigerous cyst continues to expand, it may interfere with structures in the mouth. This can cause symptoms such as a tingling or prickling sensation known as nerve paresthesia.
There is
If a person has a small dentigerous cyst and receives appropriate treatment, their outlook is
Once a person receives treatment, they are unlikely to have further complications. Appropriate treatment also means there is a very low chance that the cyst can reoccur.
However, if an oral surgeon cannot remove all of the cyst tissue, the cyst can reoccur.
A dentigerous cyst can develop over an impacted tooth. The cyst is a fluid-filled sac and appears in the jaw bone or soft tissue.
These cysts can cause no symptoms. However, if the cyst becomes inflamed, it can swell. This can lead to pain, tooth sensitivity, lump formation, and tooth displacement.
An oral surgeon can remove a dentigerous cyst, along with the affected tooth. Another treatment option is marsupialization.
Treatment is very effective and often resolves the problem completely.
If a person does not receive treatment, the cyst may develop an infection. Other potential complications include nerve paresthesia and the development of ameloblastoma.