Why does it hurt when I touch the gums next to my tooth?

This is a common complaint and question from patients. It can be evidence of a number of different problems. There are several possibilities, including an endodontic abcess, fractured root, and periodontal abscess. Also on occasion there can be a viral cause, such as herpes infection. This sometimes can be seen in the days after a final impression for a crown, possibly brought on by localized trauma to area from impression material. It is difficult for a patient experiencing this symptom to know the cause, but a dentist should be able to make a differential diagnosis and render appropriate treatment.

If a dentist notices swelling usually a periapical radiograph will be taken and the sulcus around the tooth will probed with a periodontal probe.  The radiograph may show a radiolucency and its position will help with a differential diagnosis. If there is an infection a fistula ( a small opening in the gum) may or may not be present but if it is it is evidence of an infection as well.

Some infections when probed with a periodontal probe will display superation ( purulent liquid coming from the sulcus), These can include a root fracture, a periodontal abcess or a perio/endo lesion. If a root fracture is present usually the tooth in question is tender to percussion but this symptom may be present with other types of tooth infections as well.

If you are experiencing swelling or pain adjacent to a tooth the best thing to do is to see a dentist as soon as possible, since untreated infections can spread and can make tooth loss more likely and a dentist will be able to diagnose and treat the problem as needed.




from Ask Dr. Spindel - http://lspindelnycdds.blogspot.com/2019/09/why-does-it-hurt-when-i-touch-gums-next.html - http://lspindelnycdds.blogspot.com/

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