Todays Dentist

Everything You Want to Know About Dentistry

  • General Dentistry
    • Crowns
    • Root Canals
    • Decay
    • Stainless Steel Crowns
    • Laughing Gas
    • Tongue Tie
    • Wisdom Teeth
    • Dental Injections
    • Dental Sealants
    • TMJ Syndrome
    • First Dental Visit
    • Dry Socket
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Dental Amalgam
    • Esthetic Dentistry
    • Braces
    • Dental Implants
    • Congenitally Missing Teeth
    • Dental Veneers
  • Preventive Dentistry
    • Dental Sealants
    • Dental Hygienists
      • Teeth Cleaning
    • X-Rays
    • Reduce Decay
    • Dentrifice
    • Fluoride
    • Halitosis
    • Tooth Ache
    • Floss
  • Teeth whitening
    • Teeth whitening
    • Electric Toothbrush
    • Dentrifice
    • Decay
    • Dental Veneers
    • Dental Specialties
  • Glossary
  • Tips & Resources
    • History Of Dentistry Infographic
    • Tooth Brush Abrasion
    • Pregnancy
    • Bruxism
    • Toothbrushes
    • Fever Blister
    • Snoring
    • Dental Insurance
    • Canker Sores
    • Toothpaste
    • Dentrifice
    • TMJ Syndrome
    • Dental Specialties
    • First Dental Visit

Gumboil

October 27, 2018 By Todays Dentist 1 Comment

gumboil

What is a Gumboil?

How Do You Treat a Gumboil?

A gumboil, which is a generic term, also known as a parulus or fistula, is a collection of pus, either within the bone and exiting through the gum tissue, or totally encased by gum tissue alone. There are several types of gumboils, some of which have drained already, meaning they have penetrated the gum tissue and the pressure is somewhat relieved and so is the discomfort. Others have yet to penetrate the tissue, may have significant internal pressure, and may be significantly uncomfortable to the patient. So, a gumboil can either by asymptomatic (painless) or symptomatic (uncomfortable). Once it drains, it is known as a fistula. This may indicate a problem with a previous root canal which was necessary due to an infected pulp. The cause of the problem may be auxiliary canals, which cannot be seen, root tip infection, or possibly a split tooth. The above information is relative to a periapical abscess. Periapical means “around the root tip.”

A gumboil may also mean that you have an infected pulp within the tooth. The infection has involved the pulpal tissue and has extended to the tip or apex of the tooth root, and the infection is draining out there. Pain and discomfort may or may not be present. This may also be the result of a severely cracked tooth which leaks oral fluids into th pulp chamber causing the pulp and nerve to die and abscess. The treatment for this situation is definitely a root canal. If there happens to be discomfort present, it will be relieved and the gumboil will be eliminated. The tooth then should be restored with a crown.

Another type of gumboil is the periodontal abscess. This is usually caused by poor oral hygiene and the failure to remove, or have removed, the calculus or tartar which causes bone recession. This results in a periodontal pocket which is usually in the 5 + millimeter depth range and can no longer be properly cleansed by the patient. Bacteria levels increase below the gums and excess debris is trapped. This destroys some of the surrounding bone creating a deeper pocket, and a gumboil or fistula develops. This cannot be cured by the patient and will require intervention by the dentist

Another type of gumboil is the lateral periodontal abscess or gingival abscess. This is usually just a swelling of the gums, containing pus within the pocket, has no bone loss, and can be alleviated by the patient with diligent oral hygiene and improved brushing techniques.

Sometimes enlarged gum tissue is called a gumboil but it is not truly a gumboil. Examples of that would be hypertrophied, or enlarged, gum tissue due to hormonal change, such as a pregnancy granuloma, or pregnancy gingivitis. Other conditions may be enlarged gums caused by medication such as dylantin, orthodontic braces, a poor margin of a crown or filling, a habit, or ill-fitting dentures or partial dentures. These conditions mostly are self-limiting or can be remedied by correcting the actual cause of the enlarged gums.

There also is a pericoronal gumboil. As you know “peri” means around or near. Pericoronal means around or near the clinical crown (the part above the gums) that you can see. This usually is associated with the wisdom teeth but may occur with the baby teeth when they are erupting. If it is slightly bloody and bruised, it may be called an eruption hematoma, where as, around the wisdom tooth, it is usually called pericoronitis.

Most gumboils have not only infection, but inflammation. They are mostly benign but should definitely be eliminated by addressing the cause. Sometimes simple improved oral hygiene is all that is required and sometimes intervention by the dentist might be required. The body’s immune system is trying to “fight” the infection and is sending white blood cells to the area to aid in healing. This is where the pus comes from. This local infection compromises the body’s ability to fight problems in other areas of the body.

Gumboils may or may not cause a swelling of the lymph nodes in the area as the body is fighting any and all infection which may be present. This is an indication that the body is using its defense system to ward off the infection. And this is normal for the lymph nodes, usually in the upper neck region and below the lower jaw (mandible). They may become slightly enlarged and sore and simply means they are working to defend the body. It also means there is infection or inflammation nearby.

If the gumboil does not recede, and the situation is eliminated, you must see the dentist. After treatment the prognosis is quite good except in compromised cases. Any patient with uncontrolled diabetes has a much slower healing time. Patients with AIDS have a compromised immune system and therefore may heal more slowly. Anemia of any type and patients who have had chemotherapy may also be compromised. Anyone with a lowered immune system, regardless of the cause, also has a slower healing time. At any rate, do not ignore the situation if you develop a painless gumboil. If you have pain, definitely see a dentist immediately.

These gumboils are not to be confused with canker sores or aphthous ulcers which require not treatment and are self-eliminating, yet quite uncomfortable. Cold sores or fever blisters are also not considered to be gumboils and will resolve with time. They too may be quite uncomfortable.

Regular dental checkups can usually help you avoid a gumboil as it is usually related to deep decay or poor oral hygiene. Yes, there are other causes but these are the two primary ones. Twice yearly checkups in most cases will help patients avoid gumboils.

Today’s Dentist

Life Member of American Dental Association, Emeritus Fellow of Academy of General Dentistry, American Association of Implant Dentists

 

 

Email, RSS Follow

Related

About Todays Dentist

Expansive General Dentistry practice of forty plus years and want to give back to the public the knowledge of the dental profession which has been so good to me.

Trackbacks

  1. 6 Areas Of Health To Maintain For A Better Longer Life | Women's Life Link says:
    September 29, 2017 at 12:48 PM

    […] can lead to serious complications. Be informed about what to expect for oral care. Certainly, don’t treat your gum boil until you read this if you’re experiencing one. Be sure to keep on top of your visits to your hygienists, doctors, […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Subscribe For Updates

Loading

Random Glossary Term

  • Dental Burr

    What is a Gumboil? How Do You Treat a Gumboil? A gumboil, which is a generic term, also known as a parulus or fistula, is a collection of pus, either within the bone and exiting through the gum tissue, or totally encased by gum tissue alone. There are several types of gumboils, some of which […]

Today’s Dentist First Patient – Humorous

Latest Dental Posts

  • ADA Recommendations for Dental Office vs COVID-19
  • Hydroxochloroquine vs. Intubation, and its Efficacy Treating COVID-19
  • Corona Virus–Dental Office
  • Coronavirus Update 3/20/2020
  • Coronavirus—More

RSS Latest dental news

  • Why is Oral Health Important for Men?
  • Men: Looking for a Better Job? Start by Visiting the Dentist
  • What is Orofacial Pain?
  • Headaches and Jaw Pain? Check Your Posture!
  • The History of Dental Advances

Tips and Resources

Thumb Sucking, Even Adults? Oh My!

ADA Recommendations for Dental Office vs COVID-19

Hydroxochloroquine vs. Intubation, and its Efficacy Treating COVID-19

Corona Virus–Dental Office

Coronavirus Update 3/20/2020

Coronavirus—More

Coronavirus Update—How to Properly Wash Your Hands

Thumb Sucking, Even Adults? Oh My!

Coronaovirus (COVID-19)

Coronovirus Update 3/12/2020

Coronavirus Questions

Coronavirus

The 8 Best Whitening Strips To Help You Achieve A Winning Smile

Dental Tools Your Oral Professional May Use on You

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Subscribe For Updates

Loading

Copyright © 2021 TodaysDentist.org

About · Privacy Policy · Terms of Use · Site Map · Contact Us