Expert: Tony Appleton BDS DPDS - 8/4/2007

Question
QUESTION: hi i had an abcess in my gum about 9 months ago i have had it treated with antibiotics serval times but it wont go.My tooth is now rotton and some has craked off.The abcess in my gum is still there it is like a big lump.Over the last two days the tooth feels like it has become loose.Will it just fall out thanks zoe

ANSWER: Hi Zoe

No it is unlikely the tooth will just fall out. Your best bet is to go and see your dentist so they can either treat the abscess properly or remove the tooth.

Regards

Tony Appleton

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ok i will do.Is it going to affect my other teeth and do you think i have gum diease.I dont think the whole tooth is loose its just pieces breaking off like its rotted away.Would this be due to the abcess im very worried that its life threating or something

Answer
Zoe

No this is not life threatening! Also it doesn't sound like gum disease. What you have is dental decay which is weakening the tooth so the pieces are breaking off. The abscess has occurred because the decay got through to the pulp in the middle of the tooth.

This won't spread to your other teeth, however, if you have decay in one tooth you may also have decay in other teeth - so get the dentist to check them all for you.

Regards

Tony Appleton