Dental Cyst Removal: Causes, Procedure, and Recovery
A dental cyst is a fluid-filled cavity that may develop around tooth roots, inside the jawbone, or near impacted teeth. Although some cysts remain small and silent, others may continue to grow, causing pain, infection, or pressure on neighbouring teeth and bone. In Abu Dhabi, our oral surgeons perform gum cyst removal using minimally invasive techniques to speed recovery. Early diagnosis and proper management are essential to prevent long-term complications.
Causes of dental cysts
Several factors may contribute to the appearance of a cyst inside the jaw or around a tooth:
Impacted or non-erupting teeth – Wisdom teeth or other unerupted teeth may form cysts around their crowns.
Infected root canals – When the dental pulp becomes infected, a cyst can form at the root tip.
Genetic conditions – Some inherited disorders increase the likelihood of cyst development.
Jaw trauma – Injuries to the jawbone may trigger cyst formation over time.
Untreated cavities – Deep decay can lead to chronic inflammation and cyst formation near the roots.
Types of dental cysts
Periapical cyst – Occurs at the tip of a tooth affected by pulp infection.
Dentigerous cyst – Forms around an unerupted or impacted tooth, commonly a wisdom tooth.
Keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT) – A more aggressive lesion known for recurrence.
Residual cyst – Appears after a tooth extraction if infected tissue remains inside the socket.
How is a dental cyst removed?
1. Diagnosis and imaging
The process begins with X-rays or a CT scan to understand the size, location, and structure of the cyst.
If the lesion shows unusual behaviour, a biopsy may be recommended.
2. Surgical removal (cystectomy)
Depending on the size and depth of the cyst, local or general anaesthesia may be used.
A small incision is created in the gum to access the cystic cavity.
The cyst is carefully removed, followed by thorough cleaning of the surrounding tissues.
If a large area of bone is affected, bone grafting may be performed to restore proper jaw structure.
3. Marsupialisation (drainage technique for large cysts)
For very large cysts that cannot be removed in one step, a small opening is created to allow gradual drainage.
This method helps reduce pressure and allows the body to heal progressively.
What to expect after dental cyst removal
Mild swelling and discomfort – Usually managed with prescribed pain relievers and cold compresses.
Soft diet – Eating soft foods during the first days helps avoid irritation of the surgical area.
Oral hygiene instructions – Gentle rinsing with saline or a prescribed mouthwash prevents infection.
Suture removal – If non-dissolvable stitches were used, they are removed after 7–10 days.
Bone recovery – In cases involving significant bone loss, full regeneration may take several months.
Preventing dental cysts
Regular dental check-ups. Early detection helps prevent cysts from enlarging.
Timely treatment of infections . Root canal therapy or fillings reduce the risk of cyst formation.
Wisdom teeth monitoring. Periodic evaluation of impacted wisdom teeth helps prevent dentigerous cysts.
Good oral hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing reduce inflammation and infection risk.
When to contact a dentist
Seek professional help if you notice:
• Persistent swelling or pain in the jaw or gums
• A visible lump inside the mouth or under the jawline
• Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth
• Unexplained numbness of the jaw or lips
• Recurrent cysts despite previous treatment
Conclusion
Removing a dental cyst in time helps prevent infection, bone destruction, and unwanted movement of neighbouring teeth. If you suspect a cyst or have been advised to monitor one, schedule an appointment for evaluation. Early dental cyst treatment ensures predictable healing and long-term oral health.
