Gum fistulaA fistula on the gums is a non-natural connection between an internal cavity (for example, the tip of the tooth root) and the gums. A gum fistula generally requires a distinction between the inner and outer fistula. In the case of a gum fistula, there is an outer fistula.
General information on gum fistula
A fistula on the gums is usually a tube-like connection between a small cavity in the area of the tip of the tooth root and the gum surface. The patients affected are usually suffering from chronic inflammatory processes of a tooth. In addition, suppurations in the area of the tip of the tooth root can lead to the development of a fistula on the gums.
The fistula at the gum consists of a fistula base, a fistula duct and a fistula opening. The term “fistula base” refers to the origin of the fistula at the root of the tooth. The origin of such a fistula is a reaction of the organism to inflammatory processes in the area of the tip of the tooth root.
The formation of this fistula duct can ensure the removal of the purulent secretion. A fistula on the gums can develop in the upper as well as in the lower jaw. As a rule, the fistula tract starting from the gums only leads to a single tooth root.
In the presence of a fistula on the gums, typical symptoms can be observed. In most of the patients affected, there is severe swelling, which develops into pus-filled vesicles. In addition, patients typically suffer from severe pain shortly before these pus-filled blisters burst.
Gum fistulas are particularly common in children and young adults. The reason for this is that these patients represent a risk group due to the incomplete growth and development of the jaw and teeth. In principle, fistulas can also develop on the gums in adults. In these cases, chronic infections within the oral cavity are usually present. In direct comparison, however, adults are much less frequently affected.
