a tumorlike formation; a cavity with solid walls and fluid or viscous contents.

Periapical (radicular) dental cysts develop from an epithelial granuloma of the dental root as a result of chronic periodontitis. They grow slowly, imperceptible to the patient. Later, swelling of the jaw and facial asymmetry appear. Follicular dental cysts are due to improper development of the dental rudiment. They may be caused by inflammatory processes in the root apices of the milk teeth or by inflammations of the jaw in children. Dental cysts are treated by surgical operation (removal).