Treatment of Gum Fistula

A gum fistula is one of the common dental problems. It signals more serious diseases of the teeth and gums, including granuloma or chronic periodontitis. If a fistula is not treated, the consequences can be severe, up to loss of teeth and spreading of infection to other body areas.

What is a fistula?

A fistula is a pathology in the form of an opening in the gum that connects a cavity filled with pus to the gum surface or skin. Through this opening, the purulent exudate is discharged, reducing intra-tissue pressure and diminishing pain. However, this temporary relief does not address the inflammation. The fistula path is an indicator of a localized chronic infection.

Causes of gum fistula

A gum fistula develops due to various factors, including:

• chronic periodontitis breaking out as a fistula path;
• cysts and granulomas. Pathological factors cause chronic inflammation, resulting in a fistula;
• pulpitis. Untreated inflammation of the tooth pulp can lead to infection around the root and formation of a fistula;
• injuries, mechanical damage causing infection;
• poor-quality dental treatment. Mistakes in root canal filling can lead to inflammation and fistulas;
• lowered immunity. In weakened patients, infectious processes may develop faster, leading to gum fistula formation.

The main cause of a fistula is infection induced by inflammation of tissues associated with dental or gum diseases. Most importantly, the fistula should be treated as soon as possible.

Symptoms of a fistula

A gum fistula can be accompanied by various symptoms indicating an inflammatory process:

• pain and discomfort. Patients often feel pain when pressing on the gum or around the tooth under which there is a purulent focus;
• swelling and redness of the gum. Swelling and redness of tissues are usually observed at the site of the fistula;
• pus discharge. The main symptom of a fistula is the discharge of purulent exudate through the gum opening;
• unpleasant mouth odor. Inflammation and pus accumulation can cause a bad breath;
• elevated body temperature;
• loose teeth. Prolonged inflammation weakens the tissue around the tooth root, which may lead to tooth mobility.

A fistula manifests as a purulent inflammation with an opening formation on the gum, accompanied by pain and unpleasant odor. At the first symptoms, you should see a dentist to prevent the infection from progressing.

How to treat a gum fistula?

Treatment of a gum fistula involves the following stages:

1. Diagnosis. The first step is an oral examination and diagnostics with X-ray or CT to identify the infection source.
2. Root canal treatment. If the fistula is caused by inflammation in the root system, the dentist performs endodontic treatment, including cleaning and filling root canals.
3. Antibiotic therapy. Precautions should be taken to clarify contraindications.
4. Surgical treatment. If the cause of the fistula is a cyst or granuloma, surgery may be required to remove the pathological formation.
5. Oral sanitation. After infection treatment, it’s important to sanitize the oral cavity to prevent inflammation recurrence.
6. Immunity strengthening. Patients may be advised to boost their overall immunity, allowing faster recovery post-treatment and preventing fistula reoccurrence.

In some cases, surgical intervention is required for treating a gum fistula at ID Dent clinic in Kyiv to eliminate the infection and drain purulent masses. Focus is given on treating the cause of the fistula to prevent its reoccurrence.

What happens if the fistula is not treated?

Untreated gum fistula can lead to several serious complications:

• infection spreading, risking abscesses and phlegmons development;
• tooth loss;
• bone tissue atrophy;
• general health deterioration.

Lack of timely treatment may lead to infection spreading and surrounding tissue damage, increasing teeth loss risk and serious oral health complications.

Main points about treating gum fistula

Treating a gum fistula is a critical aspect of dental practice, focused on eliminating infection and restoring oral health. Fistulas can arise from various causes and need careful diagnostic and treatment approaches. Below is a table outlining key factors related to gum fistulas, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment methods.

Treating a gum fistula requires a comprehensive approach, from identifying its causes and symptoms to selecting the most effective therapy method. Understanding these aspects helps patients and dentists effectively address the problem and prevent reoccurrence. Regular preventive measures and attention to personal health significantly reduce the risk of fistulas and other dental diseases.

How is the cost of treating a gum fistula determined?

The cost of treating a gum fistula may vary depending on the following factors:

• case complexity. The more advanced the infection, the more complex and prolonged the treatment, increasing the cost;
• diagnostics. Using X-ray images or CT for accurate tooth condition diagnosis may increase the price;
• need for surgical intervention. If surgical removal of a cyst or granuloma is needed, the treatment price will be higher;
• materials used. Treatment cost also depends on the quality and cost of materials used for root canal filling or tooth prosthetics;
• doctor’s experience and qualifications. Experienced dentist services cost more, but guarantee a higher level of safety and treatment quality.

Treatment cost in Ukraine depends on case complexity, services used, and surgical intervention necessity. Additional factors include diagnostic procedures and materials applied.

Treating gum fistula at ID Dent clinic

Private dental clinic ID Dent on the Left Bank of Kyiv offers comprehensive treatment of gum fistulas utilizing modern diagnostic and therapy methods. Clinicians possess years of experience with inflammatory oral diseases and continuously enhance their skills. The dental clinic is equipped with all necessary tools for accurate diagnosis and safe fistula treatment, including digital X-ray machines and endodontic treatment instruments.

ID Dent provides detailed pricing information on procedures, allowing patients to plan expenses in advance. The dental center is conveniently located on Lesnoy massif in Kyiv. You can reach it by metro (Chernihivska, Lesnaya stations) or drive your car, parking is available. But first, book a consultation to avoid waiting for a doctor’s appointment.