A gum fistula (fistula) is a hole that forms in the area of the tooth root and comes to the surface of the gum. A similar phenomenon is observed on a diseased tooth. In this way, the body forms a channel through which the abscess formed in the thickness of the jaw or periodontal layer will be taken out. To understand which tooth caused the appearance of a fistula on the gum is often possible by visual inspection. It will be covered with plaque, have a filling or carious damage. It is not uncommon to form a fistula on the gum under a crown or bridge. In any case, this problem requires professional treatment, and as quickly and professionally as possible. This is a pathology that does not go away on its own. If you do not seek help from a doctor in time, you can cause serious harm to the body.
Now we will dwell in more detail on what causes this disease, what symptomatology it has and what is dangerous. We will tell you how the diagnosis is performed and how to treat fistula on the gum. We will give a number of preventive recommendations designed to minimize the likelihood of occurrence of this pathology.
Appearance of a fistula on the gum: the main causes
The main cause of a fistula on the gum is a purulent bacterial inflammatory process that originates in the deep structures of the tooth. Its development provokes the following factors:
- untreated, severely spreading caries;
- periostitis, periodontitis, accompanied by an accumulation of purulent masses;
- cysts;
- pathologies in the tooth roots, including traumatic conditions;
- inflammatory chronic processes in the soft tissues of the gingival region.
Regardless of the reason for which the patient encountered this disease, it must be treated. Otherwise, the purulent inflammatory process will spread, penetrating into healthy neighboring tissues, causing their damage.
Gingival fistula: symptomatology
Symptoms of a fistula on the gum will be characteristic of all inflammatory gum diseases. To realize that you are faced with this pathology, you can see the following signs:
- the appearance of pain during chewing, which is localized in the area of a certain tooth;
- the presence of inflammation of the gums, which is often accompanied by redness;
- the appearance of swelling due to the accumulation of fluid in the soft tissues: the tooth appears higher;
- discharge of pus from the wound: may be transparent, odorless or white-gray;
- slight mobility of the tooth due to the destruction of the tissues that hold it in place.
On visual inspection, you can see the abscess itself or the wound if the pus has already started to come out. Even light touching of the tooth will cause sharp pain. If you notice such symptoms, a fistula on the gum after filling channels, implantation, you should make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible.
The dangers of fistula: why it should be treated
The fistula itself is not dangerous, as it is the body’s protective reaction to purulent inflammation. It is through it that the abscess will be discharged to the outside, which will reduce tissue damage. But its very presence will speak of the presence of infection in the oral cavity. If it is not removed in time, there can be a serious intoxication of the body, there is a risk that even the bones of the jaw will be affected, it will be almost impossible to save a tooth.
The fact that the fistula on the gum burst and pus came out of it, and the wound itself gradually began to overgrow soft tissues, does not mean that the infection is gone. Even a small residual inflammatory process will cause a subsequent relapse. At the same time, repeated abscesses and fistulas on the gum give more serious complications and they are more difficult to treat.
Quickly contact the dentist – the key to quality and total cleaning of the wound from infection and the fastest possible recovery with minimal negative consequences for the body as a whole. Asking the question of how to get rid of a fistula on the gum, give preference to professional solutions. This will eliminate both the manifestations of pathology and its root causes.
Gingival fistula: diagnostic measures
To know how to treat a gingival fistula as quickly and easily as possible for the patient, the doctor will initially perform a visual examination, review the patient’s clinical history, and order an x-ray or CT scan.
Treatment of fistula on the gum: features of the procedure
How to remove a purulent fistula on the gum will largely depend on the cause of the disease. But the basic treatment in such a situation will include the following action:
- Reacquaintance with the clinical picture and the results of radiologic examination.
- Treatment of the oral cavity and the affected area with antiseptics. A suitable drug is selected by the dentist individually, depending on the features of the pathology and the general condition of the patient.
- If cardinal intervention is required, anesthesia is used. Local anesthesia will allow the doctor to carry out the necessary manipulations without discomfort for the patient.
- Caries treatment, cleaning and filling of root canals are performed if the dentist believes that the tooth can be saved and restored. If the damage is too severe, a decision may be made to extract the tooth completely. In this case, the services of a surgeon are engaged.
Prescription of drugs designed to accelerate the healing of damaged soft tissues. How long the fistula on the gum heals, will depend on compliance with the doctor’s recommendations. The dentist will tell you how to care for the affected area, so that the wound heals quickly and without the risk of re-infection. Basically, medications are prescribed, which will need to drink for several days, adhering to the prescribed scheme. If there is a fistula on the gum and pus comes out, it is important to still use rinses with antiseptic solutions.
Gingival fistula: preventive measures
Like any other pathology, fistulas on the gum in pregnancy, after the installation of implants, filling of canals, caries, it is easier to prevent than to treat. Eliminating the root cause is a guarantee that you will not encounter this pathology. That is why it is worthwhile to have checkups with a dentist every six months. In this way, you will ensure the health of your teeth and oral cavity as a whole.
Also in everyday life, use the following recommendations:
- observe oral hygiene;
- eliminate bad habits;
- emphasize good nutrition;
- reduce the consumption of coffee, carbonated, sweet drinks;
- keep chronic pathologies under control to avoid their exacerbation;
- seek professional teeth cleaning every six months.
But if it has already happened so that you have noticed the symptoms of fistula, if there is an inflammatory process, do not self-medicate. So you can provoke the development of serious complications, the spread of pathology to associated tissues, the transition to the chronic phase. Seek professional help in the medical center “Prizma” in Kiev. Our doctors know how to treat fistula on the gum, have at their disposal all the necessary drugs and tools. This is what will make the recovery as fast, effective, painless as possible.
