Dental Granuloma – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
FACT CHECKED
Periapical Granuloma, which is popularly known as Dental Granuloma, normally develops on the root apex. When the infection of this nature lasts for a.
In the next blog, we will explain the symptoms, causes, and managing options for Periapical Granuloma and its prevention measures.
What is Periapical/Dental Granuloma?
When tooth decay is not given proper treatment over a long period, it infects the tooth pulp. Gradually, it reaches the periapical region surrounding the root tip of the tooth, consisting of bone, nerves, blood vessels, etc. This condition is called Periapical granuloma.
Although males are also affected it has a general feature of being common in females and affects more than 50%.
Anterior teeth are more predisposed compared to posterior teeth. It can occur in any tooth present in any quadrant in both maxillary and mandibular jaws. But in most cases, the teeth of maxillary jaws are affected.
Symptoms of Periapical Granuloma
- Tooth discoloration: The concerned tooth is usually blackened, and it becomes discolored from its original color, white or yellow—very rotten tooth wherein the food gets inside the tooth.
- Pain: Pain and discomfort can be felt at the time of eating or taking food. Swelling: Swelling can be felt on the lower side of the gums of the tooth, which might be on the cheek side or the tongue side.
- Pus: Sometimes, pus oozes out of the sinus, or tract from the root tip towards the gums, which can also create a bad taste in the mouth.
How is periapical granuloma caused?
- Poor oral hygiene
- Decay of tooth
- Untreated cavity letting infection/bacteria enter through to the pulp and periapical tissues
- Injury of the tooth
- Crack or fracture of the tooth surface, letting bacteria in to infect and cause inflammation in the periapical area
Diagnosis of Dental Granuloma
- Dental caries will look like black or brown spots on the surface of the tooth.
- The infection should be confirmed by a dental x-ray or IOPA.
- Periapical diseases have to be diagnosed by microscopic examination in the presence of heavy swelling.
Treatment Options for Periapical Granuloma
A simple dental filling can arrest this process at an early stage. If a decayed tooth is left untreated, then root canal therapy is most probably required. If the swelling is large and the tooth cannot be saved, it has to be removed from the jaw (Dental tooth extraction).
Why is it important to treat it early?
- Treatment of dental granulomas at an early stage prevents complications like abscesses and cysts.
- Early treatment reduces the amount of pain and discomfort to the patient.
- It saves involved tooth from invasive treatment modalities like root canal
- The lesion does not spread to adjacent teeth or the blood stream.
- Prognosis is good with early treatment, it resolves early.
- Cost effective before advanced infections develop.
- If not treated early then, it results in Periapical cyst and jaw defects.
Prevention from Periapical Granuloma
-
- Dental fillings remove infection, and the decay is arrested.
- Root canal therapy preserves the tissues in the periapical region if it is done in time.
- Fluoride Application in children
Difference between a Dental Cyst and a Dental Granuloma
| Feature | Dental Cyst | Dental Granuloma |
| Definition | Sac filled with fluid material/pus. It is located in the jaw bone. | Localized inflammation caused by chronic irritation or infection in the tooth root. |
| Location | Present in the jawbone near the tooth root. | Found at the tip of the tooth’s root or in the surrounding bone. |
| Origin | Arises from the epithelial remnants of the tooth’s developmental process or from the epithelial lining of the dental follicle. | Develops from chronic irritation or infection that triggers an immune response. |
| Appearance | Radiographically, appears as a round or oval radiolucency with well-defined borders. | Radiographically, appears as a radiolucent lesion with less-defined borders. |
| Symptoms | May be asymptomatic or present with swelling, pain, and occasionally drainage of pus. | May present with persistent pain, swelling, and sometimes drainage of pus. |
| Treatment | Usually requires surgical removal or endodontic treatment if associated with a tooth infection. | Treatment often involves endodontic therapy, antibiotics, and sometimes surgical intervention if conservative measures fail. |
| Prognosis | Typically good with appropriate treatment, but recurrence can occur if not completely removed. | Prognosis depends on the extent of damage and response to treatment. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. |
| Common Causes | Infection due to tooth decay, trauma, or obstruction of salivary glands. | Chronic dental infections, trauma, or inflammatory processes affecting the tooth. |
Conclusion
Periodic acid granuloma can thus be the cause of tooth loss, which can easily be avoided if one is observant about oral health.
Fluoride applications, pit and fissure sealants, and regular dental checkups should be done at Clove Dental for prevention. The earliest possible dental fillings and root canal therapy are required to save the tooth.
References:
- Banomyong D, Arayasantiparb R, Sirakulwat K, Kasemyysuwan J, Chirarom N, Laopan N, Lapthanasupkul P. Correlation of clinical/radiographic characteristics with histopathological diagnoses of the periapical granuloma and cyst. Eur J Dent. 2023 Jan 4. doi: 10.1055/s-0042-1759489. Epub ahead of.
Dr. Nayanika Batra
Leave a Reply
Leave a Reply
POPULAR POST
