How can I stop infection in my gums
that lead to abscess? I can not afford to have all of my teeth replaced. I
was told to get a root canal but I don't see how that will stop the infection.
Dental abscesses are commonly diagnosed as one of two types: dental abscesses (infection
in the tooth) or periodontal abscesses (infection in the gums). Often, the 2 are very
similar in appearance since both create swelling and pain in the gums. If you have a
dental abscess, the tooth which is causing the infection is no longer alive, so you will
feel no pain or swelling in the tooth, only in the gums around it. The infection is
usually centered at the tip of the root of the tooth and a root canal is necessary to
remove the source of the infection. Periodontal abscesses are infections which
develop in the gums around teeth, often in teeth which have bone loss around them and deep
pockets of gum which are difficult to clean. To remove this type of infection, routine
deep cleanings and perhaps gum surgery to reduce the pocket will be necessary. If the
tooth has had extensive bone loss to the point where it is very loose, sometimes it is
necessary to extract the tooth, though I do not believe that is necessary in your case.
Please do not hesitate to ask your dentist why he/she believes your tooth needs a root
canal. If tests show that your tooth is no longer vital and an x-ray shows the source of
infection is a particular tooth, then root canal therapy should eliminate your infection!
If you have a periodontal abscess, it will be important for you to have a thorough dental
cleaning and to follow up at home with excellent oral hygiene and perhaps a higher
strength mouth rinse which your dentist can prescribe. |
