HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A FISTULA TO HEAL AFTER A ROOT CANAL?

Let’s walk step-by-step through this one.How long does it take for a fistula to heal?

WHAT IS A DENTAL FISTULA?

A fistula is an abnormal pathway that develops under the gumline that the body uses to drain infection from an abscess. It is often a small canal that’s formed from the top of the tooth to the surface of the gums. Not only is it a warning sign of infection – it is a reservoir or passageway for pus or other infectious discharges.

WHAT IS AN ABSCESS?

If a fistula is a passageway from an abscess, than what is an abscess? An abscess is a bacterial infection in the nerve of the tooth. They can develop after surgeries, wisdom tooth extractions or root canals. Fistulas can also develop from the build up of food bacteria, trauma and impact injuries to the mouth that result in a damaged or dead tooth or they can simply be a congenital defect.

Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, painful toothaches, swelling in the lymph nodes or around the area and fevers can all be symptoms of a dental abscess.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist today if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE AN ABSCESS OR FISTULA?

Usually it is the abscess or infection that causes pain rather than the fistula. You may notice a bump on your gum tissue or gingiva somewhere close in proximity to an abscessed tooth. Since fistulas drain and release the pressure of an abscess, a bump or “gum boil” may disappear and reappear on the surface of the gums. While the fistula itself can cause little to no pain, it can cause an unpleasant taste due to the draining of a deeper infection.

HOW DO YOU TREAT A FISTULA?

Fistulas are indications that there is an infection somewhere in the oral cavity.

Often the dentist will use x-rays help to find the source of the problem. Take a look at our blog “Dental Imaging Technology at Bell Harbour Dental” to learn about the state of the art imaging technology we have available at Bell Harbour Dental.

Fistulas are unlikely to heal on their own and when left untreated their deeper infections can spread to the jawbone or other parts of the mouth and body. Dentists determine treatment for the fistula depending on the cause of the infection. Usually the treatment would be a root canal or another option is extraction. The treatment depends on the long term prognosis of the tooth, which will be a discussion between you and your dentist.

SO LET’S GET BACK TO OUR ORIGINAL QUESTION: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A FISTULA TO HEAL AFTER A ROOT CANAL?

Often, when a bacterial infection or abscess develops from the pulp of a tooth, a fistula develops as the bodies attempt to drain the infection. Root canals or extractions are the most common treatments to remove the infection from a badly infected or damaged tooth. For more information on root canals, see our blog “Are root canals bad for your teeth?” in order to get rid of the infection we have to eliminate its source: the tooth.

At Bell Harbour Dental in Downtown Seattle WA, we don’t usually prescribe antibiotics unless it is a major infection or if the patient is immuno-compromised; for example if someone has diabetes. Once the root canal or extraction is performed the body will help to eliminate the infection.

With diligent care and the guided help of a dental professional, your infection should heal typically within a couple weeks to a month. As the infection itself heals, the fistula should subside. Sometimes the fistulas don’t heal. In this case we would perform a surgery called an apicioectomy that will help to resolve the infection immediately. Before you know it you won’t be able to notice where the fistula existed in the first place.

If you have any further or more specific questions regarding your root canal, extraction, fistula or potential infection please give our office a call immediately and we would be more than happy to answer your questions. Bell Harbour Dental is here to help you get back on track with an infection free mouth!

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Bell Harbour Dental is a family owned dental practice in Belltown, Seattle. We are home to periodontist Dr. Adrian Pawlowski and to general dentist Dr. Suzanna McAninley.