What is a jaw cyst?
A jaw cyst is an abnormal fluid-filled area (pocket) inside your jawbone. You may have pain and swelling inside your mouth, or show no symptoms. You can have a jaw cyst for months or years before you know it’s there.
Jaw cysts are generally found after having a routine dental X-ray. If left untreated, jaw cysts can grow and slowly replace the bony tissue in your jawbone. This can weaken your jawbone and cause it to fracture.
Jaw cysts are usually removed under local anaesthesia. This means you will stay awake, but the area around the jaw cyst is completely numb. Sedative drugs can be given with local anaesthesia to help you feel relaxed during the procedure.
The operation is normally done as a day-case, requiring no overnight stay. Your surgeon will explain the benefits and risks of having your jaw cyst removed, and will discuss any alternatives to the treatment.
About the operation
Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, your mouth is held open and your surgeon will carefully make a cut in the jaw near the cyst.
If the cyst is small, it can be removed easily and the space that is left (pocket) is scraped clean. If it is large or has caused damage, your surgeon may also remove tooth roots, whole teeth and/or some jawbone. Adult teeth don’t grow back but new bone may grow to fill the space that is left behind.
The area is washed with a salt solution and closed using stitches. A cotton wool dressing may be placed between your teeth to apply pressure on the wound to stop bleeding.
The removed tissue and fluid is sent to the laboratory to find out what type of cyst it is.
The operation lasts between half an hour to an hour, depending on the location and size of the cyst.
For the first few days after the operation your mouth is likely to be bruised and swollen, and your jaw muscles may feel sore. You may find it hard to open your mouth fully or chew normally for a day or two.
The operation for removing a jaw cyst is commonly performed and generally safe. For most people, the benefits in terms of improved symptoms and reduced risk of jaw damage are greater than any disadvantages. However, all surgery carries an element of risk.
Specific complications of having a jaw cyst removed are uncommon, but there is a risk that a cyst may re-occur. There is a small risk that crowns and teeth may be damaged during the operation.
Occasionally nerves in the jaw can be damaged, either by the surgery or by swelling afterwards. This can cause temporary numbness or “pins and needles” in the lower lip or tongue especially if any teeth have been removed. In rare cases, this altered sensation is permanent.
The chance of complications depends on the exact type of operation you are having and other factors such as your general health. You should ask your surgeon to explain how any risks apply to you.
To find out more about having a jaw cyst removed in a Spire Healthcare hospital, please call our treatment enquiry team on 0800 434 6600.
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