Q: What could be the least invasive way a dentist could take care of my gum (periodontic) abscess? I know that antibiotics are not a cure at all.

A: We utilize an ND/YAG laser to treat periodontal disease, including abscesses. We get rapid healing, bone regeneration, and minimal discomfort experienced by the patient.

Q: How is a periodontic abscess typically treated?

A: We use a ND/YAG laser for most of our periodontal treatment, including treating abscesses and periodontal swellings. No flaps or stitches, rapid healing, and an excellent tissue response.

Q: What’s the difference between a periodontist and a regular dentist?

A: When a patient needs expert advice regarding gum disease, bone loss, dental implants and complicated treatment planning, then a Periodontist would be a good choice for a specialty doctor. If the Periodontist needs the services of a restorative dentist, then a referral can be made. Most of the time the restorative dentist and Periodontist work together in the best interests of the patient.

Q: Is it possible for dentists to detect periodontitis from initial exam and x-rays?

A: A clinical exam and a current set of quality digital x-rays of all your teeth would be enough to diagnose periodontal disease.

Q: Should I be worried that my 6 year old has dark blue gums and moves his head in jerky movements?

A: I would seek the opinion of a medical doctor and a qualified laser periodontist as soon as possible. How long has this been going on?

Q: I was on an airplane and had excruciating pain in my left side of my head as well as my jaw. After a few minutes I felt a small ball under my tongue.

A: Sounds like you could possibly have an infection in your mouth. I would suggest a consultation with a dentist. In addition, consider seeing your physician to rule out any medical conditions. Play it safe and see both.

Q: Small red spots on roof of mouth?

A: Red spots can be a number of different things. Do you have pain? Have you ever had any viral lesions in your mouth or lips before? Did you eat something odd? I would suggest a visit to your dentist for an evaluation to see what is going on in your mouth.

Q: I have a sharp throbbing pain on my left temple and it comes very randomly. I’m not sure where it comes from, but I also have a bad toothache.

A: There may be a correlation between the two. First, get checked out by an experienced dentist. Then, if you don’t get resolution of your pain or the dentist recommends a physician, go and get a diagnosis.

Q: I noticed a white spot on my gum, below my lower canine tooth. I was at the dentist two weeks ago and had an OC exam and nothing was said about it. I noticed this two days ago. Don’t know if it has always been there or if it is part of the normal human anatomy. I have provided a picture here. I am a 29 year old male.

A: It looks normal from the picture you show here on the internet. However, just to be on the safe side, get another opinion. I would rather be very conservative with this diagnosis based on a photo in this forum. However, I am not that concerned from the image …but still, go for another look.

Q: Is it possible to get tooth cancer or gum cancer? All of my teeth are affected. They feel like nails. My gums burn when I eat. I have been to many dentists. The problem is getting worse. I do not want to eat. Is there medication or something that can be done? Thanks.

A: I would call a Periodontist or an Oral Surgeon for a consultation. They can evaluate you and determine the cause of your discomfort.

Q: I have a bubble on my top gums above my front teeth.

A: It sounds like you have an abscess or infection. You should call your dentist and be seen as soon as possible.

Q: Periodontal disease has loosened three of my lower front teeth. My dentist wants to do gum surgery in an effort to save them. I had laser surgery two years ago. My concern is that the surgery may fail and I will still have to do implants. I am afraid that there may not be enough bone left for the implants to be successful. My dentist had said there is a 50% chance the gum surgery will fail but is anxious to save my natural teeth if possible.

A: My specialty area as a Periodontist is in Laser Gum Surgery, so I can tell you we have many cases where we have splinted the lower front teeth, done LANAP, adjusted the occlusion, and placed the patient in a night guard appliance. However, there are a number of factors in the decision. Sometimes, it might be better to extract the lower front teeth. You would have to be seen clinically to determine the best course of treatment for your situation.

Q: I have an abfraction. Could that cause me to lose my tooth, or is tooth loss always caused by receding gums? I can feel a groove in my first upper molar on the left side of my mouth. It sometimes bothers me when I breathe in cold air, but eating sweet food doesn’t bother me.

I wonder if the discomfort is from receding gums, because after eating something hot that burned my mouth in that area, after the burn had healed, the sensitivity continued. Could the abfraction be causing the discomfort, or would you say it’s the receding gums?

The groove isn’t on the whole tooth, but only on the beginning half of it. If I drag my nail across the gum line, only the first part of the tooth has a groove, and only that part is sensitive. If I cover that part and breathe cold air in hard, it doesn’t bother me. If I cover the second part, it does. I know I need to go to the dentist, but don’t have the money right now. Also, I brush too hard sometimes.

A: I would suggest you see a Periodontist for a full mouth evaluation. They are experts in this area. You could have gum recession. That doesn’t mean you automatically will lose the tooth. The sensitivity can be caused by numerous factors, including trauma to the area (burning). Other factors might include root exposure, possible decay in the tooth, and toothbrush abrasion. See the Periodontist for a diagnosis.

Q: Okay, so it’s possible the groove could be from things other than gum disease? Or is it always accompanied by gum disease?

Q: I have been under severe stress for the past 6 months caring for my husband, who has a terminal brain cancer. My gums started to itch in one spot, and then the next day all the gums were swollen. I have hypothyroidism and Fibromyalgia, Celiac Disease, and menopause is starting. An oral surgeon sent samples of my gums and some bone in my mouth to a pathologist for testing. What do they test it for?

A: The oral surgeon will test your gum tissues to see if anything can be seen under a microscope. I would suggest that you have your physician do a complete physical. It is likely that the stress is contributing to your gum problem. The combination of menopause and the other medical conditions with the stress is probably creating issues in your mouth. Please follow up with both the oral surgeon and your medical doctor.

Q: My gums are swollen, tender, and are causing me a great deal of pain. Is there anything I can do to reduce the pain until Monday? There is a red and white bump on the lower-left side of my gums facing my cheek.

A: Is it possible to get in to a dentist or periodontist as an emergency patient before Monday? If this is a true infection, it can spread and cause problems that can lead to serious health issues. Start with warm salt rinses immediately and do it several times a day. (Do you have high blood pressure? If so…watch your salt intake.) I strongly suggest not waiting through the weekend.

Q: I have a small white painful bump on my gums, about the size of a grain of rice. What is it?

A: You need to get to the dentist as soon as possible. You have to be seen and examined to get an accurate diagnosis.