Gum fistula in the child
Fistulas can also develop in children. Usually small bubbles are visible on the gums, through which some pus can come out. The cause for this fistula formation is usually an inflammation in the area of the tooth root.
As soon as a fistula is suspected in children, a dentist should be consulted immediately. This dentist can find out the cause of the fistula and treat it. The inflammation must also be completely removed and disinfected in children.
The course of treatment depends on the cause. If, for example, a caries has penetrated far into the tooth or has even already reached the dental nerve (pulp), this will result in pain for the child. In this case, if possible, a milk tooth root treatment can be carried out.
Furthermore, this can also be used if, for example, the tooth has died in an accident. Depending on the severity and spread of the inflammation, the milk teeth are extracted to prevent the inflammation from spreading to the bone or to other teeth. Since the enamel layer of milk teeth as a substance is not as hard as that of permanent teeth, they are potentially more susceptible to caries.
As a result, caries can spread more easily and quickly infect the tooth pulp and the nerves and vessels within. The inflammation can thus spread beyond the vessels beyond the root tip and often forms a fistula. Therapeutically, the inflammatory tissue is then removed and the canal system rinsed and disinfected to kill the bacteria.
The fistula is left in place and not surgically removed. It will regress on its own once the bacteria have been removed from the canal system and the inflammation has subsided. It is important to preserve the milk tooth, as it acts as a placeholder in the dentition and is important for its development.
For example, if the child is too young or unwilling to cooperate, tooth removal may be the better therapy, as root canal treatment can be long and tiring. Then an orthodontic placeholder can be inserted into the gap. It is also important that the germ of the permanent tooth is not damaged by the fistula.However, it may still be necessary to surgically remove the entire fistula tract, provided that it does not regress by itself. The removal of the fistula tract is performed by the oral surgeon or the maxillofacial surgeon.
