Case summary

Based on the photos (zoomed and reviewed from multiple angles): there is a partially healed/missing-molar area in the lower jaw with a thin, whitish/gray string-like band or tissue running between the back area and the adjacent teeth. The adjacent gums look slightly inflamed. The patient reports pain and bad smell. This most commonly represents a localized infection or retained foreign material (food, suture/retraction cord fragment, bone sequestrum) with secondary gum inflammation and possible sinus tract formation.

Key findings (from the images)

• Missing or heavily restored posterior molar region visible.

• A pale/gray fibrous strand or material bridging the extraction/defect site to the adjacent tooth.

• Localized gingival redness and mild swelling.

• Evidence of plaque/debris on adjacent teeth that could feed infection.

• Malodor reported by patient — suggests bacterial activity/decay or draining infection.

Differential diagnosis (most likely → less likely)

1. Localized draining sinus / fistula from a root infection — chronic infection trying to drain through soft tissue.

2. Retained foreign material (food plug / retraction cord / suture) causing persistent irritation and infection.

3. Bone sequestrum (small dead bone fragment) protruding under the gum and irritating tissue.

4. Granulation tissue or epithelialized sinus tract (chronic healing tissue that can look like a strip).

5. Periodontal abscess or chronic gingival infection at the site with food entrapment.

Best method for fastest, reliable recovery (summary)

Definitive control of the source of infection is fastest: urgent clinical exam → targeted X-ray (periapical/CBCT if available) → remove the offending material (debridement / removal of bone fragment / curettage) and either treat the source tooth (root canal) or extract if non-restorable. Drainage + local irrigation + appropriate antibiotics (only when indicated) + good oral hygiene speeds recovery.

Step-by-step recommended process (what the dentist will do)

1. Urgent appointment and X-ray (periapical view; CBCT if available) to identify source (root tip, sequestrum, retained fragment).

2. Clinical inspection under local anaesthesia to probe the area and determine if the strand is foreign material, granulation tissue, or bone.

3. Remove foreign material / curettage the socket (clean and irrigate thoroughly). If a bone sequestrum is present it will be removed.

4. Drainage if there is pus; collect sample/culture if chronic or recurrent.

5. Definitive tooth treatment: either root canal retreatment (if tooth salvageable) or extraction (if tooth is hopeless).

6. Antibiotics only if there are systemic signs or spreading infection (dentist will prescribe appropriate drug and dose).

7. Suture or allow secondary intention healing depending on wound; post-op instructions.

8. Follow-up at 1 week and again at 2–4 weeks to confirm healing; further restorative work thereafter (crown, bridge, implant) if needed.

Immediate home care until you can see a dentist

• Do not pick, cut, or try to pull the strand yourself. That can push infection deeper.

• Rinse gently with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 250 mL warm water) 3–4 times daily.

• Use a 0.12% chlorhexidine rinse if available and advised by a clinician.

• Soft diet; avoid chewing on that side.

• Over-the-counter pain relief (ibuprofen or paracetamol per label/doctor’s advice).

• Keep good oral hygiene (gentle brushing, interdental cleaning away from the painful area).

Expected healing timeline

• Symptom relief (after drainage + antibiotics if needed): often within 24–72 hours.

• Soft tissue healing: 7–14 days for the gum to close and inflammation to subside.

• Complete bone/socket remodeling (if extraction): weeks to months (initial bone fill by 6–8 weeks, remodeling longer).

• If root canal is done: pain typically improves in 48–72 hours; full comfort within 1–3 weeks.

What happens if treatment is delayed 30 days

If left untreated for 2–4 weeks the problem commonly worsens:

• Persistent or increasing pain and bad taste/odor.

• Development of a frank abscess with pus and facial swelling.

• Spread of infection into adjacent teeth or jawbone (osteomyelitis) requiring more extensive surgery.

• Loss of the adjacent tooth or need for extraction rather than conservative root canal therapy.

• In rare severe cases, spreading cellulitis (medical emergency) — seek immediate care for rapidly spreading swelling, fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Urgent warning signs — go for immediate care or emergency room

• Rapidly increasing facial swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing/swallowing.

• Severe uncontrolled pain, spreading redness beyond the mouth.
  If any of these occur, seek emergency medical/dental care immediately.

Practical next step and local help

Book an urgent exam with a dentist so they can X-ray and remove the source. Use the clinic directory you provided to find a nearby clinic and book now:
https://cebudentalimplants.com/map-dental-clinic

CASE Comment

This appears to be a localized, treatable dental infection or retained material — but it will not resolve reliably on its own. Early professional cleaning/removal of the source + targeted dental treatment (RCT or extraction) gives the fastest recovery and highest chance to save adjacent teeth. Please arrange a dental visit within 48–72 hours if possible.

If you want, I can draft a short urgent-message template you can copy-paste to a clinic booking form (asking for “urgent exam + X-ray + likely drainage/removal of foreign material”) — tell me which clinic you want to contact and I’ll prepare it.