Jaw Cyst Removal in Wailuku, HI (Maui)

Maxillofacial Surgery for Cysts in the Mouth and Jaw

Bone Tumors

Multiple types of benign tumors and cysts can appear in the jaw.

Tumors and cysts in the jaw often do not have symptoms. They are usually discovered during a routine X-ray. In some cases, however, swelling, bone pain, numbness, tenderness, and unexplained tooth mobility can be symptoms. Benign tumors and cysts can cause damage to surrounding bone and tissue.

Typically, benign tumors and cysts of the jaw will need to be surgically removed, and in some cases, bone reconstruction of the area may be necessary.  The bone reconstruction may also need to be followed by the placement of dental implants to replace any missing teeth that were removed during the initial surgery to treat the jaw tumor or cyst.

What is a jaw cyst?

Jaw cysts, also known as mouth cysts, are small, bothersome sacs of tissue or fluid in your mouth that can become infected, inflamed, and uncomfortable. Jaw cysts are most commonly found near your teeth.

What causes jaw cysts?

Improperly formed teeth that irritate nearby soft tissue can cause the aggravated area to become inflamed and painful. Cysts can also be the result of a genetic condition or dead tissue or bone in the jaw.

Symptoms of a Jaw Cyst

It’s not uncommon for jaw cysts to go undetected for years and cause no major health issues. However, most patients find them very troublesome and prefer to have them removed. Some experience pain and swelling while others, in more severe cases, are forced to deal with bone deterioration, misaligned teeth, and changes in bite patterns. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to schedule an appointment to have us examine your oral cavity and the cyst in question.

Do I need to have a jaw cyst removed?

We recommend jaw cyst removal when the cyst becomes infected or interferes with the growth or development of your teeth. Most often, we find cysts during dental checkups near the roots of dead teeth. In x-rays, cysts appear as holes or dark spots. Removing a cyst can help to prevent the formation of new cysts in and around that area.

Once we’ve determined the size, location, type, and surrounding tissues, we are ready to use our findings to remove your cyst. The process of the removal is typically quick and simple. We numb the area with a local anesthetic, cut a small incision to access the underlying tissue without disturbing the healthy tissue, remove the cyst, clean the site, and suture the incision.

We will provide you with after-care instructions that will aid in preventing infection and minimize any discomfort as you heal.

Prevention

Keeping up with your oral hygiene and regular dental exams with x-rays is the best way to avoid getting a jaw cyst.

More questions?

Call us to schedule a consultation if you think you have a jaw cyst or if you are unsure about a change in your oral health. We would be happy to walk through next steps with you and answer your questions as we examine the area and discuss your concerns.