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Question:
I was told a couple of years ago that I have mild to moderate periodontal disease on lower left quadrant...more now I'm sure...but my most immediate
question is about an area behind a front bottom tooth (just to my right).
Down below the teeth, towards the bottom of the jaw bone I guess but not on the floor of the mouth, is a white, round, sort of flat bump on the gum. It hurts and I just noticed it. Though the pain in the general area has been there off and on, more on lately, daily, and instictively massage my chin/jaw area below the spot to try to relieve.
I take pain killers with tylenol in them for unrelated problems and can really tell when it wears off. I know there is no substitute for going in, but wondering if the white smooth, flat, sore spot (nothing comes out) could be the prelude to an abcess or is an abcess and if so, how much time do I have before it gets bad to the point of serious complications....not that I'd wait that long. Visitor from CA
Answer:
Naturally, I will recommend that you go in to see a dentist soon to have this looked at. From what you have said, it sounds like you have a periodontal infection in this lower lingual area and the round, flat area you are describing could be either exposed root surface or more likely, a calculus deposit.
Calculus forms very quickly in this area of the mouth due to the sublingual glands under our tongue and the different solutes in our saliva. This is of course different for everyone (different chemistry etc.) The exposed root sinario is more serious and could lead to a serious perio abscess and
severe infection.
If it is your intention to save your teeth, you must be seen soon. Bone loss in this area of the mouth is very difficult to repair due to the thin nature of the tissue and small space around the teeth. Since you are aware you have perio
disease, then I assume you have had an exam at some point and was offered treatment options.
Your fear of the dentist or treatment is very real and quite common and fortunately today we have many options to help keep you comfortable during treatment. Conscious sedation may be an excellent choice assuming your
general medical history is ok and you are over 18 yrs old. You may want to find a dentist who is a member of DOCS (The Organization of Conscious Sedation) to
help you save your teeth. At any rate, please go in an have this looked at before things escalate. You may require some antibiotics and periodontal treatment to help fight your gum disease.
Editorial Staff
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