Table of Contents
TL;DR
- A dental fistula is a small gum opening that forms to drain an infection at the tooth root and should always be treated as a dental emergency.
- Dental fistulas usually develop due to untreated decay, damaged teeth, gum disease, dental complications or trauma that allows bacteria to reach deeper tissues.
- Signs of a dental fistula are often mild or painless and can persist for years, commonly appearing as a gum bump, drainage, bad breath or pressure while chewing.
- Treating a dental fistula requires addressing the source of infection through procedures such as root canal treatment, extraction, surgical intervention or supportive antibiotics.
- The risk of a dental fistula can be reduced through regular dental visits, timely treatment of dental problems, good daily oral care and careful follow-up after dental procedures.
What is a Dental Fistula?
A dental fistula is a small channel or opening that can appear on your gums when an infection develops at the root of a tooth. It often looks like a tiny bump or sore and may sometimes release pus. While it might not always be painful, a dental fistula is a sign that your body is trying to drain an infection, which makes it a serious dental concern.
Left untreated, the infection can spread to surrounding tissues, potentially affecting your jaw or other areas of the mouth. For this reason, a dental fistula should always be considered a dental emergency. Timely care from a dentist can stop the infection, relieve discomfort, and, in many cases, save the tooth.
Here is everything you need to know to recognize, manage and prevent a dental fistula.
What Causes a Dental Fistula?
Here are the most common factors that contribute to the formation of a dental fistula, based on our experience at Brooklyn Blvd Dental:
- Untreated tooth decay: Deep cavities that reach the inner pulp of the tooth allow bacteria to infect the root.
- Infections from cracked or damaged teeth: Cracks or chips provide a pathway for bacteria to reach the tooth’s core.
- Gum disease (periodontitis): Advanced gum disease can weaken the tissue and bone around teeth, making infections more likely.
- Complications after dental procedures: Occasionally, dental treatments may inadvertently introduce bacteria if proper care is not taken.
- Trauma to the tooth or surrounding tissues: Accidents or injuries can damage teeth or gums, allowing infections to develop.
Signs and Symptoms that Indicate the Presence of a Dental Fistula
In the dental chair, patients often say they have noticed something “odd” on the gum but did not think it was serious because it was not painful. That reaction is common. A dental fistula can remain quiet for a long time, and in some cases, people live with a dental fistula for years without realizing there is an active infection underneath.
The signs are usually subtle at first and may come and go, which is why they are easy to ignore. Symptoms to watch for include:
- A small bump or pimple-like spot on the gum: This is the most noticeable sign and may appear near a tooth that had decay, trauma, or previous treatment.
- Pus discharge from the gum: Fluid may drain occasionally, leaving a salty or unpleasant taste in the mouth.
- Little or no pain: Drainage reduces pressure, which explains why discomfort is often mild or absent.
- Swelling or tenderness in the surrounding area: This may increase during flare-ups of the infection.
- Bad breath that does not improve with brushing: Ongoing infection can affect oral freshness.
- Sensitivity when biting or chewing: Pressure on the affected tooth may feel uncomfortable.
- General malaise: Fever, fatigue or tenderness in the neck can develop if the infection extends beyond the tooth.
Effective Treatment Options for Dental Fistula
At Brooklyn Blvd Dental, treatment is provided by ADA-approved dentists, with care focused on removing the infection at its source rather than masking symptoms. Treatment options may include:
- Root Canal Treatment (Endodontic Therapy)
This is the most commonly recommended option when the tooth can still be preserved. The infected pulp inside the tooth is removed, the root canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and the space is sealed to block further bacterial entry. Once the infection is cleared, the fistula usually closes naturally over time.
- Tooth Extraction
When a tooth is severely damaged, heavily decayed or structurally unsound, removal may be the safest option. Extracting the tooth eliminates the source of infection, allowing the surrounding gum and bone to heal and the fistula to resolve.
- Surgical Drainage and Fistulectomy
In cases where infection has led to a persistent abscess, surgical drainage may be required to release trapped fluid and reduce pressure. If the fistula tract does not heal on its own, a fistulectomy may be performed to remove the tract and support complete recovery.
- Apicoectomy (Root Tip Resection)
If a previous root canal has not fully resolved the infection, an apicoectomy may be recommended. This procedure involves removing the infected tip of the tooth root along with the fistula tract, helping to clear remaining infection while preserving the tooth.
- Antibiotics
Antibiotics may be prescribed to help control bacterial spread, especially when swelling or systemic symptoms are present. However, medication alone does not treat the cause of a dental fistula and is always used alongside appropriate dental procedures.
How to Reduce the Risk of Dental Fistula?
Reducing the risk of a dental fistula largely depends on preventing dental infections before they progress. Here are some simple tips:
- Schedule regular dental check-ups to catch cavities, cracks and gum issues early
- Treat tooth decay and gum problems without delay
- Brush twice a day thoroughly and clean between teeth daily
- Seek dental care promptly after any tooth injury, even if there is no pain
- Pay attention to persistent sensitivity, swelling or changes in the gums
- Follow the aftercare instructions carefully after dental treatments
Final Thoughts
A dental fistula is not something to overlook, even when it causes little discomfort. It is a clear sign that an infection is present and needs professional care. Over time, it can continue to affect the tooth, the surrounding bone and even nearby areas of the mouth.
Most problems linked to a dental fistula become harder to manage only because care was delayed. When treated early, the infection is easier to control and the chances of saving the tooth are much higher. If you have noticed a recurring bump, drainage or tenderness that does not fully settle, it is worth having it checked.
At Brooklyn Blvd Dental, patients are supported with clear explanations and practical care. If you are searching for a dependable dentist in Brooklyn Center, MN, booking an appointment can help address the issue before it turns into something more difficult to treat.
You can call us at 7635338669 or visit our clinic at 5831 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429.
FAQs
Not always, and that’s what makes it tricky. Many people expect an infection to hurt, but a dental fistula can drain on its own, which reduces pressure. That relief can make it seem like nothing is wrong, even though the infection is still there.
The opening on the gum may close temporarily, but the infection underneath does not go away without treatment. It often comes back, sometimes weeks or even months later. Proper dental care is needed to fully resolve the problem.
It should be taken seriously. While it may not feel urgent, it signals an active infection. Delaying care increases the risk of the infection spreading to nearby teeth or bone, which can complicate treatment.
Antibiotics can help control infection for a short time, especially when swelling is present. However, they do not remove the source of the infection. Dental treatment is still necessary to prevent the fistula from returning.
Some patients live with a dental fistula for years without realizing it. Because pain is not always present, the signs are easy to overlook. Regular dental check-ups often catch the problem before it worsens.
It’s best to have it checked, even if it doesn’t hurt. A simple exam can determine whether it’s linked to an infection and what steps are needed to treat it properly.
