Contents
What is an abscess?
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that forms as a result of a bacterial infection. It causes moderate to severe pain that can sometimes radiate to the ear or neck. If left untreated, an abscess can become a serious, even life-threatening condition. This article aims to help you understand the different types of abscesses, their symptoms, treatment, and prevention methods.
Types of abscess
The three most common types are:
Periapical abscess – involves the tip of the tooth root.
Periodontal abscess – involves the gum to the root of the tooth. It can spread into the surrounding tissue and bone.
Gingival abscess – involves the gums.
The main symptom of a tooth abscess is throbbing, sudden pain that increases over time.
The remaining symptoms are:
Pain that spreads to the ear, jaw, or neck;
Increased feeling of pain in the evening;
Pain when chewing or biting;
Redness and swelling of the face;
Swollen and red gums;
Increased tooth sensitivity;
Discolored or loose teeth;
Bad breath;
Unpleasant taste in the mouth;
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or under the jaw;
Temperature.
If the abscess bursts, you will feel immediate pain relief. You may also experience a sudden bad taste in your mouth as the pus drains.
Causes of abscess development
An abscess is caused by bacteria growing on the teeth and gums. The way this happens, however, depends on the type of abscess, namely:
Abscess around the tip of the tooth – Bacteria enter the pulp of the tooth, usually through a cavity. The pulp is the soft inner part of the tooth. It is made up of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels.
Periodontal abscess – Usually caused by gum disease, but can also be the result of injury.
Gum abscess – Caused by a foreign body lodged in the gum.
How is an abscess treated?
The main goal of treatment is to clear the infection and relieve pain. Depending on the symptoms, an X-ray may also be taken. This will check if the infection has spread to other areas of the mouth.
Depending on the type and severity of the abscess, possible treatments include:
Draining the abscess – A small incision is made to allow the pus to drain. The affected area is then cleaned with saline.
Root Canal Treatment – The root canal of the affected tooth is drilled to drain the abscess and remove any infected pulp. The pulp chamber must then be filled and sealed. The pulp chamber contains the pulp of the root canal itself.
Tooth extraction – If the tooth is too damaged, it may need to be removed even before the abscess can be drained.
Taking antibiotics – If the infection has spread beyond the abscessed area or if you have a weakened immune system.
Removal of a foreign object – if the abscess is caused by a foreign object lodged in the gum.
If it is not possible to see a dentist right away, you can take an anti-inflammatory medication to relieve the pain. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water may also help.
Possible complications
It is very important to have an abscessed tooth examined by a dentist as soon as possible. The infected area should be cleaned of pus to prevent the infection from spreading.
If left untreated, the infection can spread to the jaw and other parts of the head and neck, including the brain. In rare cases, it can even lead to sepsis, a life-threatening complication.
You should seek emergency care immediately if the abscessed tooth is accompanied by:
High temperature;
Facial swelling;
Difficulty swallowing;
Rapid heart rate;
Dizziness.
These are signs of a serious infection that needs immediate treatment.
Prevention
Good oral hygiene is a key factor in preventing an abscess. Here are some tips for good oral hygiene:
Consumption of water that contains fluoride;
Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste;
Flossing your teeth at least once a day;
The toothbrush should be replaced every 2-3 months or when the bristles become frayed;
Consuming healthy food and limiting sugary products;
Regular visits to the dentist for examination and professional teeth cleaning;
Conclusion
Abscesses are serious infections that cause significant discomfort and can lead to serious health problems if not treated promptly. Recognizing the symptoms, such as severe pain, swelling, and tenderness, is key to prompt diagnosis and treatment. Treatment for abscesses includes drainage, antibiotic therapy, and in some cases, endodontic treatment or even surgical intervention. Prevention of abscesses is based on good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and timely treatment of tooth decay and other dental problems. Taking care of your dental health not only prevents abscesses, but also improves your overall health and quality of life.
In case of severe pain and suspicion of an abscess, do not hesitate to contact us and make an appointment for an examination. Specialized dental clinic Bushkalova We have proven specialists and modern equipment, thanks to which each of our patients receives quality treatment.
