Periapical cysts are common cysts that develop near the tip of a tooth's root. In terms of pronunciation, "Periapical" is often pronounced /ˌpɛriəˈpaɪkəl/, with the emphasis on the "a" in "pa." Meanwhile, "cysts" is pronounced /sɪsts/, with a hard "c" and the emphasis on the "y." Together, the phonetic transcription of "Periapical cysts" would be /ˌpɛriəˈpaɪkəl sɪsts/, with emphasis on the first syllable of "periapical" and no emphasis on the second part of the word.
Periapical cysts, also known as apical periodontal cysts, are fluid-filled sacs that develop at the root tip (apex) of a tooth. These cysts typically occur as a result of a chronic dental infection known as periapical periodontitis.
Periapical cysts usually form when bacteria enter the tooth through a deep cavity or a crack, leading to an infection in the root canal system. The infection can cause damage to the surrounding tissues, leading to the development of a cyst. Over time, the cyst gradually enlarges as it fills with fluid, resulting in a visible swelling at the site.
Symptoms of periapical cysts may include persistent pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling or a bump on the gums, and potentially drainage of pus. However, in some cases, these cysts may be asymptomatic and only discovered during a routine dental examination.
Diagnosis of periapical cysts is typically achieved through a thorough examination of the affected tooth, dental x-rays, and sometimes the use of other imaging techniques. The treatment for periapical cysts generally involves a root canal procedure or extraction of the affected tooth, followed by appropriate management of the associated infection.
While periapical cysts are generally benign and do not pose a significant health risk, timely intervention is important to prevent complications and further damage to the surrounding tooth structures. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices can help prevent the development of periapical cysts by addressing dental infections or caries promptly.
The word periapical comes from the combination of two words: peri, derived from the Greek word peri, meaning around, and apical, from the Latin word apex, meaning tip or point. Therefore, periapical describes something that is situated around the apex or tip of a tooth.
The term cysts originates from the Latin word cystis, which in turn comes from the Greek word kystis, meaning bladder or sac. In medical terminology, a cyst refers to a closed sac or pouch filled with fluid or semi-solid material.
So, when combined, the term periapical cysts refers to cysts occurring around the apex of a tooth. These cysts typically develop as a result of dental infections or inflammation of the tooth pulp, commonly known as root canal infections.