gum boils - do they go away themselves?

paddles · 14-03-2010 5:38pm #1

i think i've a gum boil but it's not sore. didn't even notice it for a while. thought it might go away but its there 2 weeks now. doesn't bother me as not sore but can i treat it myself first b4 having to see a dentist?

ballsymchugh · 14-03-2010 6:45pm

they're usually a sign of a chronic infection.
when the nerve of a tooth dies off, it rots away and pus forms at the tip of the root. when this happens, it'll either swell up and get painful, or it'll find it's way to escape, which is when it forms the boil (or sinus). because you don't get the pressure build up, it doesn't seem painful, but you still need to get it treated.

paddles · 14-03-2010 8:29pm

ballsymchugh wrote: »

they're usually a sign of a chronic infection.
when the nerve of a tooth dies off, it rots away and pus forms at the tip of the root. when this happens, it'll either swell up and get painful, or it'll find it's way to escape, which is when it forms the boil (or sinus). because you don't get the pressure build up, it doesn't seem painful, but you still need to get it treated.

ok but does thaty mean getting an anti-biotic from GP or having to see dentist. my dentist is crazy busy and takes an anage to get an appt. is it a significant enough reason for a fast appt? or will another week make much of a difference?

ballsymchugh · 14-03-2010 8:33pm

no, you're not in pain, and antibiotics are only indicated in acute infections. another week won't be too bad.

gum boils - do they go away themselves?

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