Dental Cysts: Are They the Same as Lipomas?

Cyst

Dear Dr.
Huang,
I would like to inquire about a cyst that has developed on my gum.
I visited the oral surgery outpatient department at a teaching hospital in the southern part of Taiwan, and the physician diagnosed it as a benign cyst.
Could you please tell me if this cyst is a type of lipoma? It is located above my front tooth.
If left untreated, will it cause any problems?
Sincerely,
Zhang Mingzhu

Zhang, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/08/11

Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry

Dear Ms.
Chang,
Hello.
The cyst under the tooth root is likely caused by incomplete root canal treatment.
You should consult a dentist for root canal therapy and filling, and then monitor whether the cyst decreases in size.
If it does not, you should seek a specialist in endodontics for apicoectomy; otherwise, the cyst may continue to enlarge, leading to jawbone destruction or acute inflammation resulting in facial cellulitis.
Cysts and lipomas are completely different lesions.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Huang Chih-Cheng
Director, Department of Dentistry
Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2008/08/11

More Info

Dear Ms. Zhang,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the dental cyst that has developed in your gums. It's important to clarify that a dental cyst and a lipoma are not the same. A dental cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can form in the jawbone or soft tissues of the mouth, often associated with dental issues such as infections or impacted teeth. In contrast, a lipoma is a benign tumor made up of fatty tissue. While both are benign, they arise from different types of tissues and have different implications for treatment and management.

In your case, the cyst located above your front tooth is likely related to an underlying dental issue, such as an incomplete root canal treatment or an infection from a decayed tooth. If left untreated, dental cysts can lead to more serious complications. For example, they can grow larger, potentially causing damage to the surrounding bone and teeth. In some cases, they may become infected, leading to acute inflammation and pain, which could manifest as swelling in the face or jaw.

The recommendation from your dentist to monitor the cyst after addressing any underlying dental issues is prudent. If the cyst does not shrink or resolve after treatment, further intervention may be necessary, such as a surgical procedure to remove the cyst or to perform an apicoectomy (surgery to remove the tip of the tooth root). This is particularly important if the cyst is causing discomfort or if there are signs of infection.

Ignoring a dental cyst can lead to complications such as bone loss in the jaw, chronic pain, and the potential for the cyst to become infected, which could result in a more serious condition known as osteomyelitis (infection of the bone). Additionally, if the cyst is associated with a tooth that is decayed or infected, it may lead to further dental issues, including the loss of the affected tooth.

In summary, while a dental cyst is not the same as a lipoma, it is essential to address it promptly to prevent complications. Regular dental check-ups and following your dentist's recommendations for treatment are crucial in managing your oral health. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your dental care provider.

Wishing you good health and a swift resolution to your dental concerns.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

Similar Q&A

Understanding Cysts in the Gums: What You Need to Know

Hello Doctor, I have had two missing lower premolars for several years without getting dentures. Recently, I felt two cysts under my canines, near the lower edge of the gums, using my tongue. The location is very symmetrical. Could this be a radicular cyst or a salivary gland tum...

Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Mr. Chen, Hello. As a definitive diagnosis cannot be made, it is recommended that you visit a clinic or hospital for evaluation. Wishing you safety and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Huang Chih-Cheng Attending Physician, Department of Dentistry Taoyuan General Hospita...

Understanding Dental Cysts: Are They Benign or Malignant?

Hello Dr. Tsao, I have a cavity in my tooth. Today, when I went to have it extracted, the doctor informed me that the tooth he removed had a cyst attached to it. He mentioned that this was the cause of a small abscess I previously had on my gums. However, I would like to ask if t...

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Dental cysts are generally caused by odontogenic epithelial cells and represent an inflammatory immune response from our body. The pathogenic mechanism involves the progression of dental caries that gradually invades the dental pulp, leading to inflammation and even necrosis. Sub...

Understanding Oral Cysts and Periodontal Issues: Expert Dental Advice

Hello, Doctor. I have two questions I would like to ask. First, before June 8, I often bit my lower lip while eating, repeatedly injuring the same spot. After the wound healed, a small cyst (painless) began to form in that area, and it has been growing larger (about 0.5 cm). I ...

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
1. After frequently biting the lower lip while eating, it was determined to be a cyst. Following cryotherapy, the cyst has disappeared. However, a small, hard bump has reappeared in the same location, similar to the previous one. It is possible that the mucosa of the lower lip ha...

Understanding Upper Jaw Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

I have a cyst on my upper jaw that resembles a pimple; it fluctuates in size and is painless and itch-free. It has been present for six months. Today, I consulted a dentist about it, and she mentioned that it might be caused by inflammation inside a tooth, originating from the to...

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Miss Katie: A painless cyst is generally caused by inflammation and necrosis of the dental nerve, leading to an infection at the root apex. It may require root canal treatment to thoroughly clean out the inflamed and necrotic dental nerve, which will help improve the cyst i...