I had a root canal done by an endodontist on my left upper tooth after getting an abscess. First stage in early August, finished with restoration filling in mid November, even though the gums weren’t fully healed. The abscess went away but there’s a bump higher in the gums and little blisters nearby. 

Then, I noticed that my bottom right canine? is receding a lot for someone in their early 20s, and is inflamed between the teeth. When I went to the dentist for a full exam, he said it was receding but that it should be fine since there are no pockets. He also said my gums and teeth were okay and nothing was needed. It’s been about 2 months now and the inflammation still hasn’t reduced. 

A couple weeks ago, I got a gum blister near an upper tooth on my right side. Now I’m noticing a blister/inflammation on the same tooth but other side, near my root canal. 

What is going on? Especially with the blisters?  What can I do to help the inflammation where my gum is receding? And I know gums don’t grow back, but I’d appreciate anything on how to prevent it getting worse. 

Thank you so much. 

- Background for historical causes - 

I only drink alcohol very occasionally. I used to sip my two coffees constantly but now finish it quicker and mostly just one a day. I vape often but plan on quitting asap. I smoke herb but am reducing. 

The dentist that referred me to endodontist said the infection was caused by a bad filling (there was no decay leading to the root). 

Fillings were so normal for me growing up, I don’t know how many I have and they never provoked me to get better. I only learnt and practiced proper care for my dental health after this root canal. 

Before, I often would only brush (thoroughly) once a day and not at night, rarely flossed, vaped constantly, and smoked herb without any consideration (dirty utensils, not rinsing my mouth). At 15, I got medical braces and I remember noting to myself to brush twice a day because they said I must, but I should’ve been doing that already.

I was lacking for various reasons, some in my control, but if I had a better foundation around it, I wouldn’t have treated them so poorly. My country is one of the worst for dental outcomes in the OECD and I come from an uninvolved, less than middle class household. 

Since the root canal, I’ve become overly concerned, upset and constantly anxious about my teeth. But some concerns are physical, so I’m seeking out help here since I just went to the dentist.

Gum blisters, recession, and inflammation