Hello. I think I might have a fistula and am EXTREMELY worried. It all started last year. Last year I broke my tooth. And it kept on breaking. its so broken at this point i just want it removed. it broke until a little white pus point formed on the right side right on the gum. this happened about 3-4 months ago. It's visible if I open my mouth and pull it to the side. It's not at the base of the gum but a between it right under where your tooth is exposed. I popped it and pus came out and thought it was over. But it came back and it grew. Right now I was brushing my teeth and it popped again and is purple/dark red. I have been taking using hydro peroxide it helps a lot but it always come back. A few days ago I thought it was gonna heal completely but then I eat and it always comes back. and a few days ago I started taking anti-biotic penicillin for 3 days under the recommendation of my aunt who has no authority since shes no doctor(i stupidly took them.. 2 pills are left I'm not sure to take them?) Anyways next month I have enough money to go to the dentist to get this tooth removed until then I am worrying. I can't sleep. This thing really has me worried. I'm so scared . ** I'm really really worried right now. I heard anti-biotics aren't working anymore due to bacteria having developed resistance to it and this could be fatal to me!!! I am worried it might have spread to my throat or even worse my heart!! I am so worried I can't stress it enough I was literally crying a few hours ago. I hate not having insurance. email if you can. **

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!!

Hi
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Hi alexcast,

I understand that you are very anxious about this and scared. Please try to calm down as you are going to be okay.

The tooth is infected and the infection has spread into the bone which is why the fistula has formed. This is a common occurrence when a tooth has been infected for a long time. The fistula is not a gum infection. It is actually a tract of infection that begins from the tooth and travels through the bone and out of the gum tissue. The fistula acts like a drain for the pus coming from the tooth when the bacteria inside the tooth becomes too much. This is why the fistula keeps recurring. The only way to deal with this infection is to have the source of the infection removed, which is the tooth. Antibiotics may temporarily reduce some of the inflammation and bacterial count but they are not going to cure the problem.

A very important note....... It is never wise to take antibiotics for only a few days for an infection because depending on the infection, it takes 24-48 hours for the antibiotic to get through to the infection. So if you stop taking them before it begins to reach the bad bacteria you can actually develop a secondary infection as the medication does not differentiate between good or bad bacteria. So it kills off all of the good bacteria that is in that area leaving you vulnerable to additional problems.

Infrequent use of hydrogen peroxide is okay. But over using it can cause the oral tissue to become irritated, sore and painful. So you are best off using warm salt water to rinse with 3-4 times a day as this will not irritate the already inflamed tissue and will keep the fistula open. Also it is not wise to use your finger to pop the fistula as bacteria can enter that opening and travel to the bone. If the fistula is soft enough to pop, then gently use a new clean q tip and discard. Then rinse in that area with salt water. But do not do this q tip popping too frequently

It is best to have this tooth out while you are on the antibiotics as the meds will help reduce the acidity of the infection making the local anesthetic more effective. So if you could get in to see an oral surgeon asap it would be best.

I would recommend an oral surgeon because they are more experienced at extracting teeth that are badly infected and that have developed an fistula. A thorough surgical scraping of the socket needs to be done after this tooth is removed to help prevent reinfection from any residual bacteria. Oral surgeons are more apt to do a more thorough scraping. It is always wise to tell the surgeon that you want that thorough scraping to be done.... to be sure that that step is in fact done.

Financially.... I understand this can be an issue. However, it does not behoove you to wait to have this tooth removed as the infection can spread further and that is always best to avoid. You can make payment arrangements with the surgeons office.

The stress of this is only going to make the situation that much worse. So it really is best to not wait, take the steps to have the tooth removed asap.

Please keep us informed of how you're doing.
Bryanna

Thanks you very much! You are the best. Well I'm going to a oral surgeon next month. Going to have the tooth removed. I'll inform y'all.

Ahh your reply was such a relief. I was really panicking thinking I was going to die lol. Thanks again!

**

how long does healing take? is it painful afterwards? i really dont want pain meds.

Hi alex,

Healing from a tooth extraction varies per person as everyone situation is unique to them. The severity of infection, the overall health of the person, the thoroughness and sterility of the surgery, and the after care and diet all play equal roles in post operative healing.

If you don't want to take pain meds you could try using homeopathic remedies. Here's a link to 2.... one for pre and one for post op dental.
http://www.homeopathiclaboratories.c...roformulas.php
This might be a professional site but you could call them or google the products to see if you can buy them online.

Bryanna