Fistula on tooth

A localized inflammation of the gums on a tooth or below the root tip can form a fistula tract. The fistula tract represents a connection between the focus of inflammation and the oral cavity, through which the resulting pressure is released and pus can drain away. A fistula tract does not necessarily have to end in the oral cavity; it can also emerge on the outside of the facial skin and appear like a pimple.

The fistula tract always seeks the path of least resistance. In doing so, the pus is consistently discharged, so that an unpleasant smell and taste develops in the oral cavity and the tissue around the fistula tract is sensitive. The gums are reddened and slightly thickened at this point, even the mere touch can be unpleasant. Therapeutically, a root canal treatment is initiated on the affected tooth. If the root filling has already been inserted, an attempt is made to save the tooth by resecting the tip of the root and removing the fistula tract.

Gingivitis caused by a wisdom tooth

Wisdom teeth are remnants from human evolution and are no longer needed today due to the changed food conditions. They often remain in the jaw, but can also break through, which often leads to complications due to lack of space in the dentition. Cleaning this area is also very difficult, leaving bacteria behind and causing inflammation of the tissue.

If there is not enough space, the wisdom tooth presses on the neighboring tooth or only breaks through half of it. All these possible positions of the tooth can lead to an inflammation, which can be remedied by removing the tooth, for example. Gingivitis most often begins to spread when the tooth has only broken halfway through and the bacteria have an easy time forming gum pockets.

This is also called the gum hood and forms a loophole for bacteria and food remains, which are difficult for the affected person to clean. As this quickly creates a focus of inflammation, which causes very unpleasant pain symptoms and increases the risk of abscess formation, these wisdom teeth are removed prophylactically. The inflammation on the wisdom teeth mucous membranes can include pus formation and cause a jaw clamp, which means that the mouth opening is restricted. Furthermore, they also pose a risk of displacing the existing teeth in the dental arch and thus causing tooth misalignment. Therefore, from the age of 16 to about 25 years, the position of the wisdom teeth should be clarified by a dentist, oral surgeon or oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and if necessary they should be removed if there is not enough space.