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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Why Are Puffy and Oozing Gums Worse Than Furcation Involvement?

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My gums are puffy and sometimes bleed or ooze pus around a tooth that my dentist says has furcation involvement. Does the furcation issue mean that I will lose the tooth? My dentist wants to do a repeat root canal. – Thanks. Luca from FL

Luca,

Dentists worry more about pus around a tooth than furcation involvement. Pus indicates an active infection that requires immediate attention, whereas a furcation problem often progresses gradually and can remain manageable for years.

Root Canals and Infection Control

A properly healed root canal does not shorten the life of a tooth. The procedure removes infected pulp and seals the canal system. When failure occurs, infection usually returns quickly—within a few months—and becomes evident on follow-up exams. After successful healing, recurrence is unlikely.

What Does Furcation Involvement Mean?

A tiny dental brush is inserted between a furcation involvement to clean the area

A tiny dental brush is inserted between a furcation involvement to clean the area

When bone loss or gum recession exposes the space between molar roots, dentists call it furcation involvement. This condition indicates reduced bone support, but not necessarily a failing tooth. Many affected teeth maintain most of their support and remain firmly in place.

A furcation traps plaque, so daily cleaning becomes essential. Dentists often recommend special tools, such as an interdental brush, to help patients keep these areas clean and inflammation under control.

  • Clean the furcation daily using a small interdental-style brush
  • Focus on gentle but thorough plaque removal
  • Ask your dentist or hygienist to show you how to use the brush

Why Do Pus-Filled Gums Need Urgent Care?

Bleeding gums alone often point to early gum disease and usually improve with deep cleaning and careful home care. Pus, however, indicates a deeper periodontal infection. A pocket has formed where bacteria grow undisturbed, beyond what brushing or flossing can reach.

Whether the tooth can be saved depends on remaining bone support. Some cases require surgical treatment to open the area for daily cleaning. Sometimes, the damage may be too advanced to preserve the tooth.

This post is sponsored by Lowell accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek. His commitment to continuing education helps him provide some of the best dental care in Lowell.

I Still Have Gum Disease After Two Years of Deep Cleanings

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After searching for three weeks, I found an affordable dentist to treat me for gum disease. I had called several offices, and their fees were too high. Although I have dental insurance, most fees exceed my budget, so I selected my current dentist. My concern is that in June of this year, it will be 2 1/2 years since treatment started. I go for a deep cleaning about every four months, and I still notice that my gums bleed when I brush my teeth, and some of my teeth are still a little loose. My dentist doesn’t think it is cause for concern.

The situation is a little better, but I still don’t think I made the right choice. I have two missing teeth and need porcelain veneers for two chipped teeth. We were waiting until the gum disease was under control to take care of the issues with my teeth, but I’m beginning to think it will take another two years to complete my treatment. Was it a mistake to choose a dentist with low fees just to get treatment? I’m concerned that I will have to go into debt to get the care I need. Thanks. Kristina from Saginaw, MI

Kristina -Thank you for contacting Dr. Szarek’s office.

The length and frequency of your treatment suggest that although your dentist is making treatment affordable for you, he might not be able to resolve your periodontal disease.

Can I Get Porcelain Veneers or Dental Implants with Gum Disease?

Your gums must be healthy before a dentist places porcelain veneers or dental implants.

  • Porcelain veneers – Custom-made shells of porcelain are made to fit the fronts of your teeth. Your gum tissue will frame the veneers like natural teeth. Bleeding and inflamed gums will worsen with porcelain veneers.
  • Dental implants – Healthy gums and bone support dental implants and keep them stable. Unhealthy gum tissue can prevent your dental implants from healing.

Gum Disease Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of gum disease include:

  • Bleeding, sore, and inflamed gums
  • Infected or inflamed gums
  • Gum recession
  • Gum tissue separates from teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Chronic bad breaths

If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms, they must be controlled before you get cosmetic dentistry treatment or dental implants.

What Can You Do If  Gum Disease Will Not Go Away?

If you are still experiencing discomfort and some of the signs and symptoms of gum disease after a series of deep cleanings, it is time to ask your dentist for a referral to a periodontist (gum specialist). If your dentist is unwilling to refer you to a specialist, you can self-refer if your dental insurance allows it or get a second opinion.

Does Affordable Treatment Result in Low-Quality Care?

Drastically lower fees may indicate that a dentist takes shortcuts or lacks the skills or experience to resolve specific issues. Still, even dentists with high prices can provide inadequate treatment if they don’t have expertise in an area.

A porcelain veneer held next to a tooth

You need healthy gums for porcelain veneers

We recommend getting a second opinion. A conscientious dentist will let you know if they can resolve the issues with your gums. If not, the dentist will refer you to a periodontist—a specialist in diagnosing and treating problems with your gums.

Find a dentist who will provide care yet work with your budget. But look for dentists with advanced training in treating periodontal (gum disease). There are several ways a dentist can make care affordable for you, including:

  • Completing dental work in phases whenever possible
  • Offering payment plans
  • Offering financing options

The condition of your teeth and your gums are closely related. After your gum disease is controlled, a cosmetic dentist can let you know your options for improving the appearance of your smile with porcelain veneers and dental implants. For now, it’s crucial to get a second opinion. Remember to check with your dental insurance company for dentists and periodontists within the network. It will help you avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.

 

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.

 

Bleeding gums

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There are several reasons that your gums might bleed. A new flossing routing can cause your gums to bleed until they adjust to the routine. Aggressive tooth brushing might be the problem.

Gingivitis, the beginning stage of periodontal disease, can also cause your gums to bleed. You might notice this when you brush your teeth, even if you don’t brush them aggressively. If you don’t floss, or if you have teeth that are difficult to floss, plaque can build up and make gums swell and bleed. People with a dental bridge should take extra care to floss around and beneath the bridge to keep food from getting trapped and irritating the gums.

Pregnancy gingivitis results from hormonal changes during pregnancy and can cause gums to swell and bleed. Also, certain medications, such as blood thinners can make gums bleed.

If your gums are persistently bleeding, make an appointment with your dentist. Early detection of a problem can make treatment easier.

This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Does a tongue scraper help bad breath?

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Does a tongue scraper help bad breath? – Eddie

Eddie – Although a tongue scraper will not eliminate bad breath, it may reduce it. Tongue scrapers reduce the bacteria that can cause bad breath.

If you are unable to eliminate bad breath after regularly brush and flossing your teeth, using a mouth rinse specifically for neutralizing odor, and using a tongue scraper, see your dentist. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, can cause bad breath. Bacteria from your gums can cause bad breath when sulfur compounds from the bacteria are released.

Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to help determine the source of the odor. If you have periodontal disease, it will be promptly treated to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.

This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Gum disease after not seeing a dentist for years

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When I was a kid my parents made me to go the dentist. That went on until about the 10th grade. I moved out early and since then I have taken care of my teeth myself. I brush one or two times a day and floss pretty regular. So I guess maybe its been about 7 yrs since my last dental appointment but I really did a good job on my own. No cavities it feels like and my teeth are perfectly straight but since the past few months I started to notice that my gums are sensitive and painful and swollen. Last week a couple of my teeth started feeling lose and since last Monday I haven’t eaten on that side of my mouth because it feels like the teeth are going to fall out. This is getting scary and I am wondering how bad I have messed up by not going to the dentist. – Chris T from Delaware

Chris,

You didn’t tell us your age, but based on the time you stopped going to the dentist and how long you said it’s been since you’ve seen a dentist, you’re likely in your mid- to late twenties. Your age will help your treatment to be less expensive, and give you a good chance to recover. Although you definitely need an examination by a dentist to confirm it, it sounds as if you have gum disease, and it’s serious. You should see a dentist promptly.

When your teeth are not cleaned professionally, you are not able to control the buildup of tartar on your own. A dentist is able to give your teeth the deep cleaning that they need, or gum disease is very likely to occur.

Gum disease often doesn’t cause pain. Teeth can get loose, spread apart, and fall out without warning signs. You are fortunate that the pain and swelling alerted you to the problem. If you ignore it, your teeth can fall out or need to be extracted. The gum disease will continue to spread and affect more teeth. If all of your teeth fall out dentures or dental implants will be the solution. Letting the problem progress will be very costly. Don’t put off getting help.

This blog post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.