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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Abcess On Lower-front Gum Line, Pain. How To Get Rid Off It?

At my recent 6-month dental cleaning / exam, the hygenist noticed an abcess on my lower-front gum line about 2- teeth to the right of the center. She asked if I had been aware of this and I stated no. After cleaning she took 2 X-rays of that immediate area. The dentist came by for his final check and noted this tooth was a little darker than the others. Absense of any sensitivity / pain since my last 6-month cleaning / exam in September 2011, he believes the abcess has destroyed the root. We have placed me on an antibiotic ( penicillin potassium 500MG) tabs @ 4/day and scheduled a root canal for a week from now. Question... what could have caused this? I admit I am NOT the best flosser, but I do brush my teeth 2-3 times a day, changing the brush every 6 months. I just find this odd to have this problem considering my 3 cavaties of only a pin head size in rear molers. My parents invested in a treatment of encapsulation back in the 70s which apparently helped keep the plaque, germs, bacteria, etc., from causing more cavaties. Just looking for some insight.
Mon, 29 Apr 2013
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Dentist 's  Response
Dear friend.

Thanks for sharing your concern.

Many a times even after maintaing very good oral hygiene patients complains of teeth decay.
the sole reason for this is genetic predisposition.

The morphology of teeth(i.e. particular shape,and size of teeth ,its ridges and cups.in total the whole anatomy of teeth is such that it is becoming host for the decay process.).

In that case the only thing that can be done is periodic evaluation and timely treatment.as you are doing it.

please continue that for better oral health.

Maintain good oral hygiene till you visit your dentist and even after that.

Hope i have answered your query.

Thanks.

Take care.
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Dentist Dr. Qazi Ammara's  Response
Hi,

Thanks for asking the query,

This probably have occured due to infection in the tooth giving rise to periodontal abscess or can have resulted from gingival abscess due to accumulation of bacterial plague and calculus deep in the gum pockets.
As your Dentists has planned for root canal treatment for next week, you can start the treatment then till then take complete course of antibiotics and analgesics.
Maintain a good oral hygiene, take antiseptic mouthwash rinses.

Hope this helps out.

Regards...
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Dentist Dr. Sushma Rajesh's  Response
Hi Scottie916,

Thanks for posting your query.

It is good to know that you regularly visit your dentist. Normally, this is how you know if there are any new cavities which needs to be taken care of. People don't visit a dentist unless they have a complaint like pain,bad breath,etc. So regular dental visits are advised for every individual.I would advise you to do regular flossing too.Please don't neglect that.

Coming to your query, I understand that the hygienist noted an abscess in your lower front teeth region in the gums. The change in the colour of your teeth shows that your tooth has become non vital. Non vital tooth, presence of abscess indicates that your front teeth had a history of a trauma. There is a possibility that you were hit on the front teeth, had a fall or some kind of injury.

In this case, due to trauma, the pulp is injured and leads to non vital teeth. You don't get pain or sensitivity as the tooth is already dead or non vital. This in turn leads to abscess formation which is seen as a [black round] radiolucency in the xray. As your dentist correctly mentioned you need a root canal treatment to treat this abscess. If the infection is too bad sometimes you may need an additional surgery which your dentist will take a call on. After the procedure you will need to crown the teeth.

Please continue with the prescribed medication and schedule your appointment for your root canal treatment with the dentist.I hope I have answered your question. If you have any more queries you can let me know.

Wishing you good health

Dr.Sushma Rajesh

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Abcess On Lower-front Gum Line, Pain. How To Get Rid Off It?

Dear friend. Thanks for sharing your concern. Many a times even after maintaing very good oral hygiene patients complains of teeth decay. the sole reason for this is genetic predisposition. The morphology of teeth(i.e. particular shape,and size of teeth ,its ridges and cups.in total the whole anatomy of teeth is such that it is becoming host for the decay process.). In that case the only thing that can be done is periodic evaluation and timely treatment.as you are doing it. please continue that for better oral health. Maintain good oral hygiene till you visit your dentist and even after that. Hope i have answered your query. Thanks. Take care.