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Odontogenic Cysts

Pathologic cavities lined by epithelium derived from tooth-forming structures, classified as developmental or inflammatory.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı department. Book Appointment →

What is Odontogenic Cysts?

Odontogenic cysts are pathological epithelium-lined cavities of the jaw that arise from cells of the tooth-forming apparatus (rests of Malassez, dental lamina, reduced enamel epithelium). They are classified as inflammatory (radicular cyst, residual cyst, paradental cyst) or developmental (dentigerous cyst, odontogenic keratocyst, lateral periodontal cyst, gingival cyst, glandular odontogenic cyst).

The radicular cyst is the most common (60-75%), arising at the apex of a non-vital tooth from chronic periapical inflammation. The dentigerous cyst (follicular cyst) develops around the crown of an unerupted tooth, most often impacted third molars. The odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is locally aggressive with high recurrence rates and may be associated with Gorlin syndrome (basal cell nevus syndrome) when multiple. Most cysts are asymptomatic incidental findings on radiographs.

Symptoms

Asymptomatic radiolucent jaw lesion (most common)
Painless jaw swelling (slow growth)
Tooth displacement or mobility
Cortical bone expansion or thinning
Pathologic mandibular fracture (large cysts)
Eggshell crackling on palpation (cracked cortex)
Sinus involvement with maxillary cysts
Numbness from inferior alveolar nerve compression
Recurrent infection if secondarily infected

Risk Factors

Untreated dental caries (radicular cysts)
Failed endodontic treatment
Impacted teeth (dentigerous cysts)
Unerupted third molars
Gorlin-Goltz syndrome (multiple OKCs)
Family history of jaw cysts
Poor dental hygiene
History of dental trauma
Genetic predisposition

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Jaw swelling without pain
  • Tooth displacement noticed
  • Incidental finding on dental X-ray
  • Persistent dental pain after treatment
  • Visible cyst formation in mouth
  • Recurrent infection in same area
  • Numbness of lip or chin

Treatment Methods

01
Clinical and radiographic examination
02
Panoramic radiograph for screening
03
CBCT for 3D evaluation of size and relations
04
Aspiration cytology if uncertainty
05
Histopathologic diagnosis from biopsy or excision
06
Enucleation for most cysts (excision of cyst lining)
07
Marsupialization for large cysts to decrease size first
08
Endodontic treatment for radicular cysts (small)
09
Tooth extraction with cyst removal for dentigerous
10
Aggressive treatment for OKC (peripheral ostectomy, Carnoy solution)
11
Genetic testing for multiple OKCs (Gorlin syndrome)
12
Long-term follow-up for recurrence
13
Reconstruction of large defects with bone graft

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.