Are you experiencing constant bumps on your gums or occasional pus drainage in your mouth? You might have a dental fistula. This condition occurs when an underlying infection creates a tiny channel between teeth or on the surface of the gums. Though this dental condition is painless, it can lead to serious problems if ignored.
Today, in this blog, you will explore the different causes, symptoms, and treatment options for oral fistulas. Learn to spot the signs, prevent complications, and maintain oral health.
What Is A Dental Fistula?
A dental fistula, an abscess or gum boil, is an abnormal pus channel between a tooth and its surrounding tissues. It is generally caused by an untreated tooth infection. An abscess builds up when germs infect some areas of the gums and teeth and fill up the pus. You need to seek professional help to treat it in its initial stage.
What Are The Causes Of Gum Boil?
The cause behind oral abscess can be an injury or other reasons. It commonly happens when the pus from an infection puts pressure, leading to a painful bump. Here are some of the causes of abscesses you need to know-
- Injury or damage
- Any early dental treatment like a root canal procedure
- Poor dental hygiene
- Dental trauma
Besides, you have a high risk of developing oral gum boils if you intake sugary foods, have a dry mouth, and follow inappropriate dental practices. Whenever you experience pain or discomfort in the gums, consult an emergency dentist in Marietta.
What Are The Symptoms Of Dental Abscess?
The potential signs can vary, but some of the common symptoms include-
- The most noticeable sign is a small, raised, pimple-like bump on the gums, often white or yellow. It occasionally releases pus.
- You may also notice pus drainage from the bump, sometimes having a foul taste in your mouth or bad breath.
- The area around the abscess might appear swollen or red, though it is not always painful.
- While the gum boils may release pressure, severe underlying infections can still cause pain or discomfort.
- The affected tooth may become sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure.
All these potential signs may seem mild initially, but oral fistula indicates that professional treatment is needed to avoid further problems.
The Treatment Options for Fistula
Various treatment options for fistula address the underlying infection and resolve the root cause. The emergency dentist will assess your oral condition and understand the severity of the abscess. Here are some of the ways to treat gum boils-
-
Root Canal Therapy
If the infection is caused by an infected or abscessed tooth, RCT is often the best solution. During a root canal, the professional removes the infected pulp from inside the tooth, cleans the canal, and seals it to prevent further decay. This eliminates the source of infection and allows the gum boil to heal.
-
Use of Antibiotics
The dentist prescribes antibiotics when the infection spreads or the patient is at risk. These medicines control bacterial infections but do not treat gum boils directly. They are used with other treatments, such as tooth extractions and RCT.
-
Periodontal Treatment
If the oral abscess is caused by gingivitis, periodontal treatment helps control the infection and inflammation in the gums. It includes scaling and root planing to remove the plaque and tartar below the gum line. In severe conditions, gum surgery is required for deep cleaning and to promote further healing.
Other treatments include tooth extraction, incision and drainage, and tooth extraction. Now that you know what dental fistula is and its symptoms, it is better to take preventive care to minimize discomfort and pain. Schedule an appointment with our dentist at Gilreath Family Dentistry today for emergency dentistry services.
Posted By:
