What is the cause of a 33-year-old female's painful swelling of the anterior (front) inner gingiva (gum) and mandible (lower jawbone)?

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Differential Diagnosis for 33-year-old Female with Front Inner Gum Swelling and Mandible Swelling Painful

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Periodontal abscess: This is the most likely diagnosis given the symptoms of front inner gum swelling and mandible swelling, which are indicative of a localized infection in the periodontal tissue.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Dental abscess: A dental abscess could cause similar symptoms, especially if the abscess is located near the front teeth and has spread to involve the surrounding gum and mandible.
    • Gingivitis or periodontitis: Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) or the supporting structures of the teeth (periodontitis) could cause swelling and pain in the front inner gum and mandible.
    • Mandibular fracture: A fracture of the mandible could cause swelling and pain, especially if the fracture is located near the front teeth.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Ludwig's angina: This is a severe infection of the submandibular space that can cause swelling and pain in the neck and jaw, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
    • Osteomyelitis: An infection of the bone, in this case the mandible, which can cause pain, swelling, and other systemic symptoms.
    • Salivary gland infection or stone: An infection or stone in the salivary gland could cause swelling and pain in the jaw and face.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Sarcoidosis: A rare autoimmune disease that can cause swelling and pain in the face and jaw.
    • Langerhans cell histiocytosis: A rare disease that can cause swelling and pain in the jaw and face, as well as other systemic symptoms.
    • Eosinophilic granuloma: A rare disease that can cause swelling and pain in the jaw and face, as well as other systemic symptoms.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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