Dental Cyst

A dental cyst is a closed sac that can be made up of air, soft tissue, or fluid that forms next to or around teeth. If left untreated, dental cysts can cause severe problems for your oral health. This type of cyst can form on any tooth and is most often found at the crown of the tooth or at the tip of the root. The formation of dental cysts can have many potential causes including infection, trauma, or the improper development of a tooth. When a cyst initially forms, it is usually small with potentially no infection present, often causing no pain. It may be detected by visual examination, soft tissue examination, or on dental x rays. As the cyst expands, it can weaken the jaw bone and press against the neighboring teeth, affecting their normal function. Additionally, if left untreated, it can become infected and developed into an abscess or pocket of pus which can spread the bacterial infection throughout the body. It is important to work with your doctor to treat a dental cyst as early as possible to prevent any potential long term effects to your oral health.