A cyst is an abnormal sac of tissue within your body containing fluid materials, which sometimes develops because of an infection. It may render potential damage to its neighbouring structures such as the nerves in your jaw, if left untreated.

A cyst is a closed, abnormal sac of tissue within your body containing fluid or soft materials. They most commonly occur in your jaw bone than in any other bone in your body.

You may develop a cyst in your jaw due to many reasons, for example from:

• Infection from a broken or bad tooth.
• Inflammation at the root of a tooth containing a dead/non-vital pulp
• Gum inflammation over erupting teeth, like the wisdom teeth
• Cells and fibres surrounding a developing tooth
• Inherited condition

Types of Cysts

Odontogenic Cysts: A group of dental cysts often found in the jawbone. They can grow quite large before noticeable symptoms are felt. They are benign and can be cured. They include dentigerous cysts and periapical cysts.
Dentigerous Cyst: An oral cyst that usually develops and forms close to or on peak of the crown of an unerupted tooth.
Periapical Cyst or Radicular Cyst: A dental cyst that usually forms at the base of a tooth as a result of pulp infection or death of the nerve. A periapical cyst could potentially or perhaps not develop into an abscess.
Non-Odontogenic Tumours & Cysts: A group of cysts found in the surrounding tissues of teeth development. They are not as common as odontogenic cysts and can be found in bone marrows and nasal canals.

Why Do I Need to Remove a Cyst?

• A jaw cyst removal is oral and maxillofacial surgery done which requires surgical removal. The different type, size and location of the cyst can indicate different levels of danger. 
• If left alone, the cyst can develop over time, rendering potential damage to its neighbouring structures such as the nerves in your jaw, surrounding teeth, surrounding tissues and your jaw bone, which can cause you significant problems and disability.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

Consultation

Your dentist will inform you if any cyst has been discovered in your jaw (usually found through X-rays or CBCT scans). Removal of the cyst and the involved tooth is recommended.

Cyst Removal Procedure

The cyst removal procedure will last around 45 to 90 minutes. Before commencing, the relevant areas will be completely numbed with a local anaesthetic, so you will not feel any pain at all during the whole procedure, solely some pressure and vibrations. You may additionally be placed under prior IV sedation or General Anaesthesia depending on your concerns and agreed individualised treatment plan.

Post-Operative Care

Your body requires a few days to accept the implant. After which, you will be needed to come down for a second appointment for the dentist to access the healing process.