Most of us are familiar with wisdom teeth, those molars that usually emerge in the late teens or early twenties. Many people have their wisdom teeth removed due to potential complications, but did you know that these complications can sometimes develop into odontogenic cysts? Let’s take a closer look at what odontogenic cysts are, how they form, and how they can be treated.

What is an Odontogenic Cyst?

An odontogenic cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops around the crown of a tooth or in the jawbone. While these cysts aren’t cancerous, they can cause serious damage if left untreated. The most common type of odontogenic cyst is the dentigerous cyst, which forms when a wisdom tooth erupts through the gums and its root becomes impacted. This can lead to inflammation and infection of the surrounding tissue, resulting in an odontogenic cyst.

Symptoms & Treatment Options

Odontogenic cysts may not cause any symptoms initially, but as they grow larger they can cause pain or swelling in the affected area. If left untreated, the cyst can expand and damage surrounding tissue or even cause bone loss in extreme cases. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for odontogenic cysts depending on their size and severity. The most common treatments include medications to reduce inflammation or antibiotics to fight infection; surgery to remove part of the affected tooth; and surgical removal of the entire affected tooth. In some cases, radiation therapy may also be used to shrink the cyst before it is removed surgically.

Preventing Complications & Wisdom Teeth

The best way to prevent odontogenic cysts is to avoid developing complications from wisdom teeth in the first place by getting them checked regularly by your dentist throughout your life. Your dentist will be able to provide advice on whether you need your wisdom teeth removed before they become problematic or if any other steps need to be taken to keep them healthy. Additionally, if you do experience any pain or swelling near your wisdom teeth make sure you visit your dentist as soon as possible so that any issues can be addressed quickly and effectively before they become serious enough for surgery or radiation therapy treatment options.

Conclusion

Although it may seem like an inconvenience to get your wisdom teeth checked regularly by your dentist, doing so could save you from having bigger problems later on down the road such as developing an odontogenic cyst due to complications from impacted wisdom teeth erupting through your gums. If caught early enough these issues can often be solved with simple medications or antibiotics instead of needing surgery or radiation therapy treatments which could require more time away from work and family activities while undergoing treatment. So don’t forget – regular dental visits are essential for keeping your smile healthy!

Questions?

If you have questions or would like to schedule a consultation please don’t hesitate to call us (704-456-9611) or schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you.