A gum cyst is a small, fluid-filled sac that develops in the mouth, usually around your gums and teeth. They’re more likely to form in areas with decaying teeth, impaction, or poor oral hygiene. While this may sound alarming, dental cysts are usually benign (non-cancerous) and highly treatable. This blog post explores dental-specific gum cysts' types, symptoms, causes, treatments, and whether they self-resolve.
I Have a Cyst On My Gums. Can I Identify The Type?
While it’s natural to want to identify the type of cyst on your gums, an accurate diagnosis requires professional examination by one of our oral health specialists. Here are the main types of gum cysts and their main characteristics:
1. Mucocele: these gum cysts form in the mouth's soft tissues, such as the inner cheek or lip, usually due to trauma or irritation.
2. Periapical or Radicular Cyst: this is the most common type of gum cyst, forming around the root of an infected tooth.
3. Dentigerous Cyst: a dentigerous cyst forms around the crown of an unerupted tooth, like wisdom teeth or upper canines.
4. Odontogenic Keratocyst: This is an aggressive type of gum cyst that is known for its ability to recur.
It's important to remember that visual inspection alone cannot provide a definitive diagnosis, as some cysts may look similar to other oral health issues like tumors and abscesses. Dental imaging, such as X-rays and sometimes biopsies, is needed for proper identification.
What Are The Most Common Symptoms & Causes of Gum Cysts?
Not all dental cysts present noticeable symptoms, but those that do often cause discomfort and have various underlying causes.
| Symptoms Cysts on Gums | Causes Of Gum Cysts |
|---|---|
| Your gums will become swollen and red. | Poor Oral Hygiene: Bacteria accumulation can lead to cyst formation. |
| You may experience pain while chewing. | Dead or Dying Teeth: The decay process can expose soft tissues to bacteria, leading to cyst development. |
| There might be an unpleasant odor. | Impacted Teeth: Teeth that don’t erupt properly, causing a cyst to form. |
| The affected area is sensitive. | Developmental Abnormalities: Some cysts form due to irregularities in tooth development. |
| There’s a visible lump/bump on the gums. |
Do Gum Cysts Go Away?
We often get asked, "Do gum cysts go away?" when there’s uncertainty about treatment or because a patient has read conflicting information online about self-resolution. While some small cysts may resolve with good oral hygiene, most require professional treatment. Without proper intervention, persistent cysts may lead to complications such as infection, tooth displacement, abscesses, and bone damage.
What Are The Treatment Options For Gum Cysts?
Treatment for gum cysts depends on their size, location, and severity:
- Home Care: Some small cysts can be managed at home with good oral hygiene and antibacterial mouthwash. If your gum cyst is asymptomatic, regular check-ups are needed to monitor it. Do not attempt to pop a cyst.
- Marsupialization: For larger cysts on the gums, creating a small opening to allow the cyst to drain can help reduce its size and prevent recurrence.
- Surgical Removal: Larger or infected cysts may require surgical excision under local anesthesia. In cases of infection, antibiotics are prescribed to manage inflammation before surgery.
- Root Canal Treatment: For cysts linked to an infected tooth, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infection and promote healing. If a root canal cannot resolve the issue, an apicoectomy may be performed, which involves removing the root apex and the gum cyst.
- Bone Grafting: If the cyst has caused bone loss, bone grafting might be necessary after removal.
Your Smile Matters - Take Action Today
While gum cysts can be concerning, they’re manageable with prompt and appropriate treatment. At Family Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry, our experienced team is here to diagnose and treat various gum cysts with the utmost care and expertise. Don’t let a cyst on your gums go untreated—early intervention can prevent complications and ensure a swift recovery.
Schedule an appointment with us today at any of our three convenient locations in Brandon, Lakeland, or Riverview, FL, and take the first step towards maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile.
