Cavities that can be found in the bone or soft tissues of our body, often containing fluid and surrounded by soft tissue, are called cysts. Cysts can be found anywhere in the body, but most cysts form in the jaw area.

Are jaw cysts dangerous?

Cysts in the jaw form due to inflammatory and developmental causes. They are generally harmless and do not become malignant tumours, but over time they can grow and cause cosmetic and functional disorders. A cyst in the jaw should be removed using the appropriate method according to its size and type. If there is a tendency towards a malignant tumour, it must be intervened in and removed quickly.

Treatment of jaw cysts

Cysts that form in the jaw are treated surgically. The surgical method to be applied varies according to the type of cyst. With the marsupialisation procedure, the pressure inside the cyst is reduced and the cyst is made to shrink. Enucleation is the removal of the cyst together with the surrounding epithelial tissue.

Resection is the removal of the cyst together with the healthy bone tissue around it. General or local anaesthesia is used depending on the size of the cyst to be removed. During the operation, the following procedures are performed:

• The gum and part of the relevant bone are lifted
• The cyst is removed from where it is located and the surrounding area is cleaned
• The cleaned area is closed with stitches
• The removed tissue is sent to pathology for examination.