How serious is a dental fistula?
Untreated infections can spread, worsen, and lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Because abscesses cause dental fistulas, there’s not much you can do to treat them directly on your own. Treatment for your fistula will include resolving the underlying cause of the abscess and infection.
Will a dental fistula heal?
Since an infection is the root cause, the fistula is unlikely to heal and disappear on its own. Without care, the infection can travel to your jawbone and affect other parts of the body.
What does a gum fistula look like?
A fistula on the gum may or may not be painful. It usually looks like a reddened or yellowish, inflamed pimple or ulcer on your gum tissue. It may bleed easily, and if you press on it, pus may come out.
How long does it take for an oral fistula to heal?
Once the root canal or extraction is performed the body will help to eliminate the infection. With diligent care and the guided help of a dental professional, your infection should heal typically within a couple weeks to a month. As the infection itself heals, the fistula should subside.
What does a pus pocket in your mouth mean?
An abscess can occur with serious gum disease (periodontitis), which causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. This leaves deep pockets where bacteria can grow. If tartar builds up too much, or if food gets stuck in the pockets, pus forms. If the pus can’t drain, it forms an abscess.
How long does it take a dental fistula to heal?
How long before antibiotics work on infected tooth?
Although you might not notice it right away, antibiotics begin working as soon as you start taking them. Usually, within 2-3 days, you’ll start feeling better and see an improvement in the infection.
When does an abscess become a dental fistula?
If an infected site has nowhere else to go, it will sometimes create a new pathway to your tooth or gum surface. This new canal for the infection to drain is called a dental fistula. If you have an abscess or fistula, it’s an issue that requires treatment from your dental professional.
Why did I get a fistula after a root canal?
An abscess is a bacterial infection in the nerve of the tooth. They can develop after surgeries, wisdom tooth extractions or root canals. Fistulas can also develop from the build up of food bacteria, trauma and impact injuries to the mouth that result in a damaged or dead tooth or they can simply be a congenital defect.
What should I do if I have a fistula on my tooth?
Treatment for your fistula will include resolving the underlying cause of the abscess and infection. According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment for a tooth abscess may include: There are some steps you can take to decrease your discomfort or pain while you’re waiting to see a dental professional.
What are the symptoms of a fistula on the gums?
Symptoms of a dental fistula may include: The appearance of a small bump on your gums (also known as a gum boil) Discharge of pus into your mouth, sometimes with an unpleasant taste The symptoms from an abscessed tooth will likely be easier to recognize.