An accidental hit of the ball over the jaw is generally ignored with a tap on the shoulder. Moreover, incidents like falling on the road during a drive and being hit by hard objects hardly put our attention on the jaws or the teeth. These sudden jerks to the jaw are not supposed to be taken lightly and can result in dental cyst. Though they may not immediately show symptoms, the tooth or jaw may have been affected, albeit showing symptoms only after a few weeks or even months.
That is where an early diagnosis helps. Managing even the smallest of symptoms initially is much easier and reduces the discomfort.
Saravanan Andamuthu experienced pain in his front teeth when he woke up one morning in December 2022. “When I tried to move the tongue, I noticed a swelling in my lower jaw,” says the 27-year-old IT training student from Bengaluru. He was not sure about the cause of the pain as he did not have any cavities.
Reason for dental cyst
“I thought the swelling would go on its own, but it did not,” says Andamuthu. Moreover, his upper front teeth kept hitting the lower teeth constantly. He then consulted a dentist, who examined him and informed that two of his front teeth in the mandible bone (lower jaw) had an infection with a cyst due to a trauma to his jaw.
“I had accidentally bumped my lower jaw against a wooden cot a few months back,” recalls Andamuthu. However, he neglected it as there was no pain.
Later, he underwent a minor surgery for the removal of the cyst followed by root canal treatment. After two to three months, the infection subsided, and his teeth started showing improvement.
What is a dental cyst?
A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can develop within the tissues or organs of the body including the oral cavity. Dental cysts can either arise from tooth infection, developmental disorders of the jaw or tooth, or trauma.
Common cause of dental trauma
Dental trauma commonly occurs due to the lack of preventive measures while playing sports. A few examples include trauma during martial arts, a hit by an opponent player in hockey, and a soccer ball or any contact sport.
A 2023 study published in Dental Traumatology states that basketball players have a higher chance of injuring their teeth with the ball, which can be overcome with the use of mouthguards. This protective gear can lower the chances of oral injuries.
Symptoms of dental trauma and cyst
“Though the tooth may not show any symptoms immediately after trauma, it shows mild brown or black discolouration after a few weeks or months,” says Dr Shalini Priya N, oral and maxillofacial pathologist, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
She adds that injury to the tooth cuts down its blood supply and releases toxins. This causes inflammation around the tooth’s root and forms cyst in the affected area. The gums covering the cyst may show discolouration and cause pain when one touches it.
Changes in the tooth
Trauma to the jaw may or may not cause loosening of a tooth. “The loosening occurs due to the damage to the supporting structures of the tooth such as ligaments and bones. These structures hold the tooth in place,” says Dr Keerthana Murali, senior lecturer, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Erode, Tamil Nadu.
Due to the damage of the supporting structures, the tooth can move from the position or incline towards the side. Sometimes, the individual does not get any noticeable signs but feels uncomfortable.
Early measures
After a trauma, it is important for one to undergo tests as it increases the chance of saving the tooth. “Immediately after a trauma, our body initiates the healing process to regenerate the blood vessels and nerves and to replace the damaged pulp,” says Dr Murali. She adds that during this period, the dentist refines the pulpal condition that ideally restores the aesthetics and function of the affected tooth.
If the tooth is completely out of the socket, then store it in saline solution or milk and reach your dentist within 60 minutes. The dentist can place it back and restore its function.
If there is bleeding in the gums, place an ice pack to soothe your gums and stop the bleeding. Consult your dentist immediately to protect your tooth.
Management method
“Fractures to the crown (white portion of the tooth) are commonly seen after trauma or injury. Early management is mandatory to prevent subsequent changes in the jaw and teeth that could further complicate the treatment process,” says Dr Murali.
The treatment for dental trauma and cyst includes minor surgery to excavate the cyst and root canal treatment to reduce the infection. The dentist can extract the tooth when the infection does not resolve, or when the tooth shows no improvement.
It is important to note that the dental cysts can recur even after the treatment. Hence, regular follow-up is essential as the dentist can keep an eye on the condition of the tooth and jaw. This can help the dentist to take appropriate measures when there are signs of recurrence.
