Don't Ignore the Signs

Abscess and Swollen Gums in Port St. Lucie

Waking up with swollen gums is not only frightening, but it can also be painful. Swollen gums are a common sign of a severe gum infection. The swelling could appear as puffiness, a pus-filled gum abscess, or a hard bubble on the gum surface. The problem does not begin with swelling. Although it may appear to be the initial indication of infection, it is NOT the first stage. Swelling indicates that the condition is spreading rapidly. If you have an abscess or swollen gums, contact an experienced endodontist like Mikhail Gankin, DMD, in Port St. Lucie. He and his skilled team will be able to eradicate the infection, relieve the pain, and make your smile happy.

Abscesses and Swollen Gums in Port St. Lucie Florida with Mikhail Gankin, DMD

Stop the spread

What are abscesses?

A periodontal abscess is a pus-filled pocket in the gum tissue. It looks like a small red ball is coming out of the swollen gum. When the gums pull away from the teeth because of gum disease (periodontitis), this can lead to an abscess. This makes deep spaces where bacteria can grow. Pus forms when there is too much tartar or when food gets stuck in the pockets.

If the pus can't get out, it builds up into an abscess. An abscess can make nearby teeth hurt and give you a fever. It can also hurt your teeth and gums over time. Teeth can sometimes become loose and fall out. The infection can move to another part of your body. Most of the time, Dr. Gankin will prescribe antibiotics to get rid of the infection. In addition, he might need to cut open (lance) the abscess so that the infection can drain. This should make you feel better. You may also need more dental care, like removing a tooth or having oral surgery, to fix the bone damage that the abscess caused.

The Best Choice

What are the benefits of getting abscesses and swollen gums treated by an endodontist?

An endodontist is a dentist that specializes in saving teeth and the root. Dr. Gankin's training and experience make him highly qualified to assess the severity of the infection and treat it to ensure that it doesn't spread to other parts of your mouth or the bloodstream. Abscesses and swollen gums are serious issues that should not be solved with at-home remedies.

Schedule Today

Your Abscess Consultation

Dr. Gankin will want to examine your abscess to understand the extent of the infection. He may need X-rays, 3D images, or other ways to see exactly what needs to be done to have it successfully removed and cleaned without the infection spreading. Schedule your appointment today if you suspect any signs of infection in your teeth or gums.

Proper Cleaning

Your Abscess Procedure

A gum abscess needs to be drained, and any debris in the periodontal pocket needs to be cleaned out. Dr. Gankin may suggest a deep cleaning method called scaling and root planning. During this procedure, plaque and tartar are removed above and below the gum line.

Draining the abscess is needed to eliminate the infection and avoid further problems. For this procedure, an incision has to be made in the abscess. Before starting the procedure, your dentist may put a cream on the area to make it feel better. Dr. Gankin can tell from your dental X-ray if your gum abscess has caused you to lose bone. Depending on how much bone has been lost, he may decide to pull one of your teeth. He may also suggest a way to regrow bone or gum tissue that has been lost.

Keep your teeth healthy

Abscess Recovery and Aftercare

Dr. Gankin may recommend a course of antibiotics in addition to these procedures for eradicating and treating infection. If he cannot drain the abscess completely, antibiotics can help reduce the swelling. Aside from halting the progress of the infection, this treatment can also help you avoid a recurrence. Dr. Gankin may also recommend pain relievers if you're experiencing discomfort.

Abscess &
Swollen Gums Frequently Asked Questions

When is an abscess an emergency?

Visit the emergency department if you get a high temperature and facial swelling and cannot contact Dr. Gankin. If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, you should also visit an emergency room. If you have any of these symptoms, the infection may have moved farther into your jaw, throat, or neck or perhaps to other body parts.

How long does it take for an abscess to heal?

It may take up to two weeks for the abscess wound to close completely. The extent of the abscess and the body's reaction to the incision and drainage treatment are two factors that determine how long the healing process will take.

Abscess & Swollen Gumsin Port St. Lucie, Florida

Abscess and Swollen Gums in Port St. Lucie

What are abscesses?

What are the benefits of getting abscesses and swollen gums treated by an endodontist?

Your Abscess Consultation

Your Abscess Procedure

Abscess Recovery and Aftercare

Abscess &
Swollen Gums Frequently Asked Questions

When is an abscess an emergency?

How long does it take for an abscess to heal?

Healthy Smiles Ahead

New Patients Welcome With Referral

Abscess & Swollen Gumsin Port St. Lucie, Florida

Abscess and Swollen Gums in Port St. Lucie

What are abscesses?

What are the benefits of getting abscesses and swollen gums treated by an endodontist?

Your Abscess Consultation

Your Abscess Procedure

Abscess Recovery and Aftercare

Abscess & Swollen Gums Frequently Asked Questions

When is an abscess an emergency?

How long does it take for an abscess to heal?

Healthy Smiles Ahead

New Patients Welcome With Referral

Abscess &
Swollen Gums Frequently Asked Questions