Greetings and a question regarding a potential abscess.

[jonny]

Good afternoon,

Firstly I would like to say thanks to the creators, moderators, and participants of this board - awesome service and community.

I have a question regarding the potential origins of a dental problems I am experiencing as well as the urgency to seek care.

The area affected is the gum, at the gum line, of my second molar on the upper left hand side. Roughly a week ago during brushing and flossing, too hard I am certain, I noticed some sensitivity. Examining the area afterward I noticed a small lumb/bump at the gumline of the tooth that was very hard and also painless. The lump is still present, still very hard, and still completely painless. There is no sensitivity in the tooth to pressure or hot/cold and no general infection symptoms. A few days before noticing the lump I had a lot of pain chewing on the tooth but attribute that to weeks of anxiety and stress and my tendency to clench my teeth - especially hard on the left side - during such stints. To understand my fear and concern a little bit of history of that tooth is in order.

I am currently 28 years young and had a root canal done on said tooth at the ripe age of 15 or so. The tooth was fit with a porcelain cap and gave me little trouble until about a year and a half ago. Long story short, I wound up developing an abscess which I let go for way to long in part because of my substance abuse of alcohol which I used to numb the pain until my face was swollen and pain unbearable. I went to an ER dentist who took x rays and confirmed an abscess sharing with me that my initial root canal had been botched due to me having very deep and winding roots. The abscess was drained and I took a course of anti biotics that cleared things right up, If I had the money I would have had the tooth extracted but I did not so could not. Up until now I have had no problems but also have not had any dental visits which brings us to the current point in time.

Luckily my wife took a new job and I wound up getting some great dental insurance out of the deal. i have an appointment for March 4th to get a gameplan down to get my mouth nice and healthy but am afraid of what this gum/tooth issue might be and whether it can wait until then. The pain of the abscess was agonizing and I've since come to appreciate the dangers of an abscess especially left unattended. My questions are twofold:

1. Is it possible that this hard painless lump is due to abrasion or localized trauma due to brushing and flossing too hard vs. being an infection?
2. Is it advisable for me to wait until my scheduled appointment and have my issue looked at and dealt with at that point or should I seek more immediate attention (emergency dentist)?

Lastly, I am in great overall health, eat well, have upped vitamins and minerals related to the immune system and all that good stuff. I do have a history of teeth clenching and bruxism especially when facing anxiety and stress in life.

Any input is greatly appreciated. I thank you for your time!

Regards,
Jonny

 

[carole]

to the forum.

I am not a dentist but I would think you would be okay to wait until your app on the 4th March, if you are not in pain it will not harm you from now until then.

It may be the abscess that has made a return visit and this will not clear up without treatment. I think a re-do of the root canal or extraction may do it.

Only a visit to the dentist that can see it in person and take x rays will be able to tell you what is the best action to take.

When you have infection in your mouth until it is treated with antibiotics maybe in some cases, and a procedure by the dentist it will not go, it may lay dormant but it will stay there. Even if it drains and lumps go down it is still there waiting to flair up again.

Good luck with your appointment

You do not mention that you are nervous of the actual treatment or the dentist and this is a forum for people in dental fear. I am happy to have answered you and if you are nervous or afraid we can offer you support.

I wish you well.