**DENTAL CYSTS **
Dental cysts are developmental or acquired lesions that occur in the jaw, typically as a result of the reaction of the jaw's soft tissues to the presence of a non-vital tooth. There are several types of dental cysts, each with distinct characteristics.
Classification of Dental Cysts
- Radicular cyst: The most common type of dental cyst, occurring at the apex of a non-vital tooth.
- Residual cyst: Develops from a radicular cyst that has outgrown the confines of the jawbone.
- Odontogenic keratocyst: A type of cyst that is characterized by the presence of keratinized epithelial cells.
Clinical Features of Dental Cysts
- Pain: Often, the initial symptom, which can range from mild to severe.
- Swelling: The most common symptom, often accompanied by pain.
- Discharge: Pus or fluid discharge from the cyst.
- Tooth mobility: If the cyst has grown large enough, it can cause the surrounding teeth to become loose.
- Facial asymmetry: Large cysts can cause noticeable facial asymmetry.
- Speech and eating difficulties: Large cysts can also cause problems with speech and eating.
Radiological Findings of Dental Cysts
- Well-defined radiolucency: A well-defined area of radiolucency on radiographs.
- Cortical expansion: The cyst may cause the surrounding bone to expand.
- Tooth displacement: The cyst may displace the surrounding teeth.
- Bone resorption: The cyst may cause the surrounding bone to resorb.
Clinical Anatomy
- Blood supply: Dental cysts are supplied by a branch of the inferior alveolar artery.
- Nerve supply: Dental cysts are innervated by the inferior alveolar nerve.
Management of Dental Cysts
- Surgical removal: The most common treatment for dental cysts, which involves surgically removing the cyst.
- Presurgical management: May involve antibiotics and pain management to reduce the size of the cyst before surgery.
- Follow-up: Regular follow-up appointments to monitor for any recurrence.
Complications
- Infection: Dental cysts can become infected, leading to pain, swelling, and discharge.
- Bone loss: Large cysts can cause significant bone loss, leading to facial asymmetry and tooth mobility.
- Recurrence: Dental cysts can recur if not completely removed.
Homoeopathic Therapeutic Medicines
- Calcarea phosphorica: Indicated for bone-related issues, including dental cysts.
- Silica: Indicated for growths and cysts, including dental cysts.
- Merc sol: Indicated for inflammation and pain, including that associated with dental cysts.
Investigation
- Radiographs: The primary means of diagnosing dental cysts.
- CT scans: May be used to further evaluate the extent of the cyst and surrounding bone.
- Biopsy: May be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
- Enucleation: The surgical removal of the cyst.
- Curettage: The use of a curette to remove the cyst lining.
- Surgical extraction: The removal of the non-vital tooth, if present.
- Bone grafting: May be performed to repair any bone loss caused by the cyst.