Dental health is a vital aspect of your overall well-being, so it’s important to be aware of the various conditions affecting our teeth and gums. One such condition is eruption cysts.
Eruption cysts are benign cysts that appear on the mucosa of a tooth shortly before its eruption. While they are usually harmless and don’t require treatment, in some cases, they can cause discomfort or complications.
In this blog, we’ll explore what eruption cysts are, how they can impact your dental health, and what you need to know to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Whether you’re a parent of a child going through the teething process or an adult with concerns about your dental health, understanding eruption cysts can help you make informed decisions about your oral care.
What Are Eruption Cysts?
Eruption cysts, also known as eruption hematomas or gingival cysts of the newborn, are fluid-filled sacs that develop around the tooth’s crown erupting or emerging from the gums. The cyst forms when fluid accumulates between the tooth and the gum tissue, creating a small, blister-like bump on the gums. Eruption cysts can occur in children and adults, and are most commonly associated with the eruption of baby and permanent teeth.
Eruption cysts can vary in size, shape, and color, ranging from a small, translucent bump to a larger, red, or purple swelling. They are generally painless and often go unnoticed until discovered during a routine dental exam. While eruption cysts are usually harmless and do not require treatment, they can cause discomfort, bleeding, or infection in some cases. Therefore, they may need to be addressed by a dental professional.
Symptoms of Eruption Cysts
Eruption cysts typically do not cause any symptoms, and many people may not even know they have them. But eruption cysts may cause some discomfort or other symptoms that can include:
- Small, blister-like bump on the gums around the emerging tooth
- Mild discomfort or tenderness, mainly when pressure is applied to the area
- Bleeding around the tooth
- Pain, swelling, and tenderness in the gums due to infection
Treatment of Eruption Cysts
Some common treatment options for eruption cysts include:
- Observation: If the cyst is small and not causing any symptoms, your dentist may recommend keeping an eye on it in case it becomes problematic.
- Drainage: If the cyst is causing discomfort or has become infected, your dentist may recommend draining the fluid with a needle or making a small incision to release the fluid.
- Antibiotics: If the cyst has become infected, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection.
- Removal: In rare cases where the cyst is huge, causing significant discomfort or interfering with tooth eruption, your dentist may recommend removing the cyst.
How Long Do Eruption Cysts Last?
Dr. Khalil Mjahed explains that an eruption cyst typically disappears within days or weeks once the tooth fully emerges above the gum line. However, if the tooth grows slowly or becomes impacted, the eruption cyst may persist for up to 4-5 months.
Can Eruption Cyst cause Fever?
If left untreated, cysts can rupture and become infected, leading to bleeding and a foul odr in your mouth. An infected cyst may also cause a mild fever as a common symptom. Therefore, seeking medical or dental attention promptly is essential if you experience these symptoms to prevent any potential complications.
Conclusion
If you or your child has an eruption cyst, seeing a dental professional is vital to determine if any treatment is needed. Don’t hesitate to contact Monroe dentist, Dr. K, if you require medical attention.
Our Dental Practice in Monroe, NC
Monroe Family Dentistry is there for you and your children from day one and we are happy to work with you and your child to start habits from birth. If you live near Monroe, NC call us to schedule an appointment today at 704.776.4278.
These are just some of the services we provide. To learn more about our dental practice in Monroe NC and the services we provide, call us or submit an appointment request.
