Jaw and soft tissue cyst removal
Specialist surgical removal of oral and jaw cysts - with histological confirmation, preservation of adjacent structures, and thorough post-operative follow-up.
Specialist service: This treatment is provided by Ms. Soudeh Chegini, Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, who practises on-site at New Forest Family Dental.
About the procedure
What are jaw cysts?
Cysts of the jaws are fluid-filled sacs that can develop within the jawbone or soft tissues of the mouth. They are typically benign but grow over time - causing bone resorption, displacement of teeth, and, if left untreated, significant structural damage to the jaw.
The most common types include radicular cysts (arising from infected tooth roots), dentigerous cysts (associated with unerupted teeth), and odontogenic keratocysts. Some jaw cysts have a higher tendency to recur and require longer follow-up.
Ms. Chegini performs thorough cyst enucleation with histological analysis of all removed tissue. Detailed pre-operative CBCT imaging ensures the surgical approach is planned precisely to preserve adjacent teeth, the inferior alveolar nerve, and the maxillary sinus where relevant.
Why choose us
Complete specialist cyst management.
Specialist expertise
Cyst removal - particularly jaw cysts - requires specialist surgical skills to achieve complete removal while preserving adjacent teeth and structures.
Histological confirmation
All removed cysts are sent for histopathological analysis to confirm the cyst type and exclude any unusual or aggressive pathology.
Detailed imaging
OPG and CBCT imaging are used to assess the size, position, and relationship of jaw cysts to teeth, nerves, and the sinus before surgery.
Prevent recurrence
Complete enucleation and appropriate treatment of the underlying cause (such as removal of an associated tooth) minimises the risk of recurrence.
Preserve anatomy
We aim to preserve teeth, bone, and adjacent structures where clinically possible, using careful surgical technique.
Follow-up imaging
Post-operative radiographic review confirms bone regeneration and healing - and detects any early recurrence.
Your procedure
From planning to complete healing.
- 1
Assessment
Ms. Chegini reviews your imaging, performs a clinical examination, and assesses the nature and size of the cyst.
- 2
CBCT imaging
3D imaging provides precise information about the cyst's extent, adjacent structures, and helps plan the surgical approach.
- 3
Surgical planning and consent
The procedure is fully explained - including whether enucleation or marsupialisation is most appropriate - and consent obtained.
- 4
Cyst removal
Under local anaesthetic, the cyst is carefully enucleated (completely removed). Associated teeth may need to be extracted or root-treated.
- 5
Histopathology
The removed cyst wall is sent to a specialist oral pathology laboratory for definitive diagnosis.
- 6
Follow-up and bone review
A post-operative appointment checks healing. Review appointments will be arranged if clinically indicated, including a radiographic review to confirm bone regeneration and no recurrence.
What we treat
Types of cyst we manage.
- Dentigerous (follicular) cysts associated with unerupted teeth
- Radicular (periapical) cysts at the root of non-vital teeth
- Odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs)
- Nasopalatine duct cysts
- Soft tissue retention cysts (mucoceles)
- Incidentally discovered jaw cysts on routine radiography
Referred or self-referring?
Book a specialist consultation
We welcome referrals from dentists and direct appointments from patients with a confirmed or suspected jaw cyst.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions.
What is the difference between enucleation and marsupialisation?
Enucleation involves complete surgical removal of the cyst. Marsupialisation creates a window in the cyst wall to decompress it and allow it to shrink gradually - used for large cysts where complete removal would risk damaging adjacent structures. Ms. Chegini will recommend the most appropriate approach.
Do all jaw cysts need removing?
Most jaw cysts require treatment to prevent them from enlarging and damaging adjacent teeth, bone, and structures. Small cysts discovered incidentally are reviewed radiographically and treated when appropriate.
Is there a risk of recurrence?
Recurrence risk varies by cyst type. Radicular and dentigerous cysts rarely recur after complete enucleation. Odontogenic keratocysts have a higher recurrence rate and require longer-term radiographic follow-up.
Will I need the associated tooth removed?
This depends on the cyst type and the tooth's involvement. We always aim to preserve teeth where possible. If the tooth requires removal, we will discuss this with you before the procedure.
Ready to meet your new dental team?
Same-day appointments available · Denplan members welcome