Dentigerous Cyst Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
A dentigerous cyst is a cyst caused by a tooth, which includes the crown of the tooth which is still immersed in the gums and bone. The teeth most commonly involved are the molars which are located in the lower jaw and the canines in the upper jaw. These two teeth are the types of teeth that are most often hampered from growing perfectly.
Dentigerous cysts can occur on both sides of the face. The age group reported to have suffered from this disease varied, ranging from 3-57 years old. Of the seventeen cases that have been reported, ten of them occurred in children aged less than 15 years.
To prevent the spread of this disease, you need to do radiographic examinations regularly to detect early abnormalities of the teeth.
A possible complication of a dentigerous cyst is a cyst that blocks the maxilla and changes the position of the air-filled cavity, which should be located behind the cheekbones and forehead. If it occurs on the lower jaw, a dentigerous cyst can cause tingling, prickling, or burning feeling on the skin.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a dentigerous cyst may not be obvious if it is still in its early stages. Generally, these cysts occur without pain. If the cyst is small, it will usually be seen on an X-ray. However, when a dentigerous cyst enlarges, there is usually painless swelling of the face.
Reason
Dentigerous cysts are thought to result from fluid accumulation between the developing teeth and between the tooth cavities.
Diagnosis
This disease can be detected through radiographic examination which includes the internal organs, in this case, the mouth and teeth. A dentigerous cyst has the potential to turn into a malignant cyst. Therefore, the examination of dentigerous cysts can be supported by histopathological examination, namely by observing body tissues.
Dentigerous cysts that are large in size also need a CT scan. The results of this CT scan can provide information regarding the origin, size, and content of dentigerous cysts.
Treatment
The treatment for a dentigerous cyst is to remove the lesion and the tooth in question surgically, bearing in mind that this cyst can enlarge.
In the sixteen cases that have been published, the treatment of dentigerous cysts can be done by performing enucleation surgery. In this surgery, the cyst on the jaw will be removed without compromising the surrounding tissue.
In larger dentigerous cysts, surgical marsupialization can be performed, namely by making an incision and removing the contents of the cyst followed by sewing the cyst wall back together. This technique is done to relieve pressure inside the cyst and prevent permanent damage to the teeth around the cyst.