A dental cyst is a fluid-filled cavity that usually forms on the soft tissues in the mouth. Filled with liquid or semi-solid material, the sac can develop in the gums, lips, or spaces between the teeth. 

Dental cysts often develop over a tooth that has not emerged, usually a canine or molar. The cysts are usually benign but if left untreated, they can cause complications. Cysts can become aggressive, causing problems for the neighboring bone and tissues.

There are several types of dental cysts. Dentigerous cysts form on top of or close to the crown of a wisdom tooth that has not erupted. Periapical cysts, also called radicular cysts, are cysts that usually form on the base of the tooth. They form as a result of nerve death or pulp infection. 

Mucocele or mucous cysts are oral cysts that usually form in the soft tissues of the mouth. They can form on the lip, tongue, or inner cheek. The cysts usually occur due to irritability or trauma to the tissues. Odontogenic cysts describe a collection of dental cysts that form on the jawbone.

A small or uninfected cyst may not exhibit any symptoms. Symptoms that indicate the presence of a dental cyst include swelling or inflammation, pain, tooth displacement, and tooth sensitivity. If the cyst develops in the mouth’s mucosal tissues, it can look like a blister or sore. 

A cyst becomes visible when a lump forms, and it can be felt. In some cases, the only way to see the cyst is through a scan or X-ray. When a cyst causes displacement of a tooth, gaps may begin to form between the teeth.

If left untreated, dental cysts can lead to the removal of part of the jaw. They can also cause health issues that can affect overall well-being. Cysts should always be removed, even when they are small and not causing problems. 

This is because small cysts can grow, causing oral complications down the line. Complications from the cysts include dental infection, tooth loss, jaw fractures, and benign jaw growths. 

Most dental cysts tend to be harmless, but that does not mean that they should go untreated. In most cases, the cysts are easy to treat. Treating dental cysts will depend on the size. Small cysts will usually require a dental X-ray to diagnose the type. 

A cyst can be surgically removed along with the unerupted tooth. In some cases, a process known as marsupialization may be used. This is a technique that involves cutting the cyst to allow it to drain.