You may have already heard dental practitioners use a variety of technical jargon. Several factors can contribute to it, and if not treated properly, dental fistulas can develop into even more severe diseases.
Even in the absence of noticeable pain or discomfort due to a dental fistula, it is advisable to schedule a visit with an oral health professional, particularly one specializing in dental specialties in North Edmonton. Doing so ensures a thorough examination, early detection of potential issues, and the adoption of proactive measures to maintain optimal oral health.
Causes of Dental Fistulas
Whether the discovery of a dental fistula is recent or you’ve been aware of it for some time, prompt treatment with a dentist near you is crucial. Prompt action is essential to stop the infection from spreading, guarantee a speedier recovery, and minimize the need for potentially more involved medical procedures. Ignoring the problem can have negative effects, such as increasing the possibility of serious, potentially fatal issues due to the uncontrolled spread of infection.
When the discharge from an abscess causes pressure and has nowhere else to drain, a dental fistula forms.
- Dental Infections: One of the primary causes of dental fistulas is untreated dental infections. When bacteria enter the pulp of a tooth, it can lead to the formation of an abscess, which may result in the development of a fistula.
- Gum Disease: Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, can also contribute to the formation of dental fistulas. As the infection progresses, it may create a passage for pus to drain, forming a fistula.
- Trauma: Dental trauma, such as a severe injury to the mouth or jaw, can damage teeth and surrounding tissues, creating an environment conducive to the development of fistulas.
Symptoms of Dental Fistulas
- Swelling and Redness: The affected area may exhibit swelling and redness, indicating an underlying infection.
- Pain and Discomfort: Patients often experience persistent pain or discomfort, especially while chewing or applying pressure to the affected tooth. With dental specialties near you, it can be recovered.
- Pus Drainage: A noticeable sign of a dental fistula is the drainage of pus through a small opening near the affected tooth. This drainage may have a foul taste or odour.
- Fever and Fatigue: In more severe cases, patients may experience systemic symptoms like fever and fatigue, indicating a systemic response to the infection.
Treatment Options
Upon a thorough evaluation and discussion of your requirements and preferences, your dental provider will be able to recommend the most appropriate treatment for your case. With that said, they may advise any of the following solutions:
- Antibiotics: Dental fistulas are typically treated with a course of antibiotics to eliminate the bacterial infection causing the abscess. This is often a preliminary step before more invasive treatments.
- Drainage: In some cases, the dentist may need to drain the abscess to relieve pressure and facilitate healing. This may involve making a small incision to allow the pus to drain.
- Root Canal Therapy: If the dental fistula is associated with an infected tooth, a root canal procedure may be necessary to remove the infected pulp and seal the tooth to prevent further infection.
- Tooth Extraction: In severe cases where the tooth is extensively damaged or the infection is too advanced, extraction may be the only viable option.
- Maintaining Oral Hygiene: Prevention is key to avoiding dental fistulas. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups can help prevent infections that may lead to fistulas with our dentist in North Edmonton.
Acquire Quality Dental Care with Us Today!
Dental fistulas can arise from various causes, including infections, gum disease, and trauma. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking prompt dental care is crucial for effective treatment. Antibiotics, drainage, root canal therapy, and tooth extraction are common approaches, but prevention through good oral hygiene remains the best strategy to avoid these painful and potentially serious oral health issues.
The Dentists at Northgate offer emergency dental care, teeth cleaning, teeth whitening, and other preventive procedures. Make an appointment right away!
