Name of the Procedure:

Excision of benign tumor or cyst of mandible, by enucleation and/or curettage

Summary

This procedure involves the removal of a non-cancerous tumor or cyst from the jawbone. It is typically performed by scooping out (enucleation) or scraping away (curettage) the abnormal growth.

Purpose

The procedure addresses benign tumors or cysts in the mandible (jawbone) that may cause pain, swelling, or structural issues. The goals are to remove the growth, alleviate symptoms, and prevent complications such as infection or jaw deformity.

Indications

• Presence of a benign tumor or cyst in the mandible.
• Symptoms such as jaw pain, swelling, or jawbone deformity.
• Diagnostic imaging (e.g., X-rays, CT scans) confirming the presence of the growth.
• Tumor or cyst affecting dental alignment or oral function.

Preparation

• Fasting for several hours before the procedure if general anesthesia is used.
• Discontinuing certain medications as advised by the doctor.
• Pre-operative imaging studies like X-rays or CT scans to locate the tumor or cyst.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is placed under local or general anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the gum tissue over the affected area.
3. The benign tumor or cyst is carefully scooped out (enucleation) or scraped away (curettage).
4. The area is thoroughly cleaned to remove any remaining abnormal tissue.
5. The incision is closed with sutures.
6. A dental splint or other support may be placed to help stabilize the jaw during healing.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• Oral and maxillofacial surgeon
• Anesthesiologist (if general anesthesia is used)
• Surgical nurses and assistants

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the surgical site
• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Damage to nearby teeth or bone
• Nerve injury leading to numbness or tingling
• Recurrence of the tumor or cyst
• Anesthesia-related risks

Benefits

• Removal of the benign tumor or cyst, alleviating symptoms.
• Preservation of jawbone structure and function.
• Reduced risk of complications like infection or dental issues.
• Improvement in quality of life and oral health.

Recovery

• Pain and swelling managed with medications and cold compresses.
• Soft diet and avoiding chewing on the affected side for several days.
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and remove sutures.
• Full recovery typically takes a few weeks.

Alternatives

• Observation and regular monitoring if the tumor or cyst is asymptomatic and not causing any issues.
• Needle aspiration for cysts to remove fluid content temporarily.
• Less invasive dental procedures if appropriate for smaller cysts.

Patient Experience

• Mild to moderate pain managed with prescribed medications.
• Swelling and bruising around the surgical site for a few days.
• Some discomfort and adjustment period while eating and speaking.
• Most patients resume normal activities within a week but should avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks.