Swelling and inflammation around the gums are pretty common, but having a hole is not and needs immediate attention. The gums support our teeth, making up 90% of the entire oral cavity. Both teeth and gums need to be for good oral health. Curious about how can you have a hole in your gums? We have your answers; read along to know why it appears and what to do about it.
A Hole in the Gums?
A hole inside your gum is basically a hollow pocketed area, comparative to its surrounding. There are multiple causes for this condition to pop up; the most common among them is gum disease.
Here are some of the reasons why small or big holes in the gums form.
What Makes Holes In The Gums?
Mainly, gum disease is the reason behind this issue. Bacteria live inside the mouth, and their high number causes problems like plaque or tartar buildup, sensitive teeth, etc. Along with that, bacteria play their part in gum disease development.
It starts eating away the gum tissues, creating spaces or voids in it. The gum recedes, resulting in a pocket formation. The hole starts small but easily grows bigger if not treated.
Periodontitis and gingivitis are 2 main kinds of gum diseases in which the hole problem appears as a symptom. In other words, gingivitis advances into periodontal disease. The second mentioned condition is worse and requires medical attention.
Types of Periodontal Disease
Gum diseases hit soft tissues and greatly damage the bone supporting the teeth if not treated on time. There are 3 categories of the said condition.
Chronic Periodontitis
Gum’s condition worsens with time. The issue takes its course gradually in a longer span and will result in tooth loss.
Aggressive Periodontitis
This type does not give the patient much time and removes the gums from its tooth lining, generating a hole-like structure.
Necrotizing Periodontitis
This condition appears in systemic diseases like HIV. The tissue cells of the gums start dying, making a void there.
Dry Socket Formation
Apart from disease, another reason why holes form in the gum is dry sockets. They develop if the healing process after a tooth extraction is not appropriate.
Treatment Options Available
Treatment options depends on the cause. Here are a few options:
Deep Dental Cleaning
Deep dental cleaning consists of 2 steps, scaling and root planing. The first step is scaling; your dentist will scrape off plaque or tartar from the tooth using a handheld scraper or an ultrasonic cleaning device. Then, root-planing goes deeper inside the layers scrubs off plaque from within.
Pocket Eliminating Process
Pocket eliminating process is also known as flap surgery. The tissues opened via incision bacteria, plaque, or any present tartar is removed. The tissues are then stitched back to their original position in a better manner, removing any holes around the gum line.
Gum Grafting Procedure
Gum grafting works best in case of gum recession. In this procedure, a small piece of healthy tissue is extracted from a different place and fits where the gum has receded.
Antibiotic Use
Antibiotics help in killing off the bacterial buildup.
Overview
In the case of a hole in the gums, getting a professional opinion on it is the best choice. Reach out to the affordable dentist in TX at Pasadena Dental Doc. we offer surgical and consultation services at the best prices. Call now at 713 947 0293 for inquiry or setting up an appointment today.
BY GARGLE