A gum fistula is usually a sign that an infection has been developing beneath the surface for some time - most often in the form of a chronic dental abscess.
It is a small channel through which the body tries to release pus from the infected area to reduce pressure and prevent the spread of infection.
A dental fistula often appears as a small white or red dot on the gums, from which pus may occasionally drain.
After it appears, the pain may decrease, but that does not mean the problem is gone.
On the contrary, the presence of a fistula means that treatment is necessary and should not be delayed.
A purulent dental abscess develops when an infection spreads from the tooth into the surrounding tissue, and the body responds by accumulating pus.
It most often results from untreated tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or failed root canal treatment.
The infection travels through the tooth root into the bone, forming an inflamed cavity filled with pus.
This process can be extremely painful - the tooth becomes sensitive to pressure, and symptoms may include throbbing pain, swelling, and sometimes fever.
A purulent abscess is a serious condition that requires urgent dental care, as the infection can spread beyond the oral cavity.
