JAW SURGERY

Jaw cysts and tumours

Cysts and tumours of the jaws are often asymptomatic and incidentally found on imaging such as x-rays or CT. These lesions are mostly benign, however some can be quite locally destructive and require careful diagnosis and management. Our surgeons have an emphasis on evidence-based, minimally invasive surgery.

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Jaw cysts and tumours — clinical reference

Quick answer about this procedure

QUICK ANSWER

Surgical management of cysts and tumours within the jawbone. Most lesions are benign but some are locally destructive and require careful diagnosis, surgical treatment and long-term surveillance. Our surgeons aim to treat jaw cysts with minimal long-term morbidity.

Procedure
Enucleation / marsupialisation / resection
Anaesthesia
Local · Sedation · GA
Duration
45 min – 3 hrs
Stay
Day-stay or hospital
Recovery
1–4 weeks depending on case

IS THIS FOR YOU?

Specialist referral is usually appropriate when:

  • A cyst or tumour has been identified on an OPG, CBCT or other imaging
  • Your dentist has noticed a radiolucency on routine x-ray
  • A jaw lesion is growing, painful, or affecting adjacent teeth
  • Pathology requires definitive diagnosis with biopsy and histology
  • Long-term surveillance is needed for a lesion known to recur
WHO PERFORMS THIS

The surgeons who perform this procedure

Both surgeons listed below perform this procedure at OMS Specialists. Each carries dual qualifications in medicine and dentistry plus Fellowship from the Royal Australasian or English College.

Mr Richard Cobb, Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Mr Richard Cobb

Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

BDS · MBBS · MFDS(Eng) · MRCS(Eng) · DHMSA · FRCS(OMFS)

  • Oral Surgery
  • Jaw Surgery
  • Facial Surgery
  • Skin Surgery
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Mr Ryan Smit, Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Mr Ryan Smit

Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

BDS · MBChB · MRACDS(PDS) · FRACDS(OMS)

  • Oral Surgery
  • Jaw Surgery
  • Facial Surgery
  • Skin Surgery
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RECOVERY TIMELINE

Recovery timeline

  • 0–1 day

    First 24 hours

    Day-stay procedure for most cysts. Rest with head elevated, soft diet, ice and prescribed pain medication. Larger resections require hospital admission.

    Red flags · Heavy bleeding, fever over 38.5°C, or severe swelling not relieved by ice and prescribed medication.

  • 1–14 days

    Week 1–2

    Soft diet continues. Most patients with small cyst enucleation return to desk-based work within 5 to 7 days. Larger resections require longer recovery.

  • 3–12+ months

    Months 3–12+

    Bone fills the cyst cavity over several months. For lesions known to recur (e.g. OKC), follow-up imaging and long-term surveillance is scheduled, sometimes for 5 years or more.

RISKS & HONESTY

Risks we discuss before consent

  • Recurrence

    Some lesions, particularly odontogenic keratocysts, have a recurrence rate that requires long-term imaging surveillance. This is discussed at consent and a follow-up plan is agreed.

  • Nerve injury

    Cysts and tumours close to the inferior alveolar nerve require careful technique. The risk of altered sensation to the lip and chin depends on lesion size and proximity.

  • Adjacent tooth loss

    Teeth involved in the cyst or tumour may need to be removed at the same procedure if their support is compromised.

  • Bleeding and infection

    Bleeding and post-operative infection are uncommon and managed with prescribed measures when they occur.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Common questions about jaw cysts and tumours

Are jaw cysts and tumours usually cancer?

The great majority of jaw cysts and tumours are benign. Cysts and tumours of the jaws are often asymptomatic and incidentally found on imaging such as x-rays or CT. These lesions are mostly benign, however some can be quite locally destructive and require careful diagnosis and management. Biopsy and histopathology confirm the exact diagnosis and guide the appropriate surgical approach.

What surgical options are there?

Treatment depends on the diagnosis and size of the lesion. Options range from simple enucleation (removing the cyst lining) for small lesions, through marsupialisation (decompressing a large cyst over weeks before definitive removal), to resection with margins for more aggressive lesions. Our surgeons have an emphasis on evidence-based, minimally invasive surgery and aim to treat jaw cysts with minimal long-term morbidity.

Will I need long-term follow-up?

Some lesions, particularly odontogenic keratocysts (OKC), have a known recurrence rate and require long-term imaging surveillance — often annually for 5 years or more. The follow-up plan is discussed at consent and reviewed at each appointment.

Will I lose any teeth as part of the surgery?

Teeth that are intimately involved in the cyst or tumour, or whose supporting bone has been destroyed by the lesion, may need to be removed at the same procedure. This is planned and discussed at consultation using imaging.

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