Dental Abscess

An abscess is a sac of pus that forms when a tooth or surrounding tissue becomes infected from bacteria. There are two types of dental abscess, a periodontal abscess (gum-related) and a periapical abscess (tooth-related).

• Periodontal abscess: This is a gum abscess that is usually caused by an infection in the space between the tooth and gum. The infection may occur after food gets trapped between the gum and tooth. In people with severe periodontal disease, bacteria can build up under the gum and in the bone.

• Periapical abscess: This is a tooth-related abscess that occurs inside the tooth. This happens when the tooth's nerve is dead or dying. This type of abscess shows up at the tip of the tooth's root. Then it spreads to the surrounding bone.

An untreated abscess can cause the loss of the tooth. It can even spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.

Symptoms of a dental abscess 

Signs of a dental abscess include:

• Toothache, often severe
• Tooth pain with hot, cold, or pressure
• Pain in the gums, cheek, or jaw
• Bad breath or bitter taste in the mouth
• Trouble swallowing or opening the mouth
• Fever
• Swollen or enlarged glands in the neck

 

Diagnosing a dental abscess

An abscess is diagnosed by looking at your teeth and gums. You will be told if any tests are needed, such as dental X-rays.

Treating a dental abscess

Treatments for a dental abscess may include the following:

• Antibiotic medicines. These treat the underlying infection.
• Pain relievers. These help you feel more comfortable. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine for you. Or you may use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Warm saltwater rinses. These can soothe discomfort and help clear away pus.
• Root canal surgery.  This may be done if needed to save the tooth. With a root canal, the infected part of the tooth is removed. A special substance is then used to fill the empty space in the tooth.
• Draining the abscess. This may be done if needed. Incisions are made to allow the infected material to drain from the tooth.
• Removing the tooth. This is done in cases of severe infection that cannot be treated another way.

You may need to be admitted to a hospital if the infection is severe, has spread, or does not respond to treatment.

When to call the dentist Call your dentist right away if you have any of the following: ·       Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher ·       Increased pain, redness, drainage, or swelling in the treated area ·       Swelling of the face or jawbone ·       Pain that cannot be controlled with medicines

 

Preventing dental abscess

To prevent another abscess in the future, keep your teeth clean and healthy. Brush twice a day and floss at least once daily. See your dentist for regular tooth cleanings. Stay away from sugary foods and drinks that can lead to tooth decay.

 

Dental Abscess

An abscess is a sac of pus that forms when a tooth or surrounding tissue becomes infected from bacteria. There are two types of dental abscess, a periodontal abscess (gum-related) and a periapical abscess (tooth-related).

• Periodontal abscess: This is a gum abscess that is usually caused by an infection in the space between the tooth and gum. The infection may occur after food gets trapped between the gum and tooth. In people with severe periodontal disease, bacteria can build up under the gum and in the bone.

• Periapical abscess: This is a tooth-related abscess that occurs inside the tooth. This happens when the tooth's nerve is dead or dying. This type of abscess shows up at the tip of the tooth's root. Then it spreads to the surrounding bone.

An untreated abscess can cause the loss of the tooth. It can even spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.

Symptoms of a dental abscess 

Signs of a dental abscess include:

• Toothache, often severe
• Tooth pain with hot, cold, or pressure
• Pain in the gums, cheek, or jaw
• Bad breath or bitter taste in the mouth
• Trouble swallowing or opening the mouth
• Fever
• Swollen or enlarged glands in the neck

 

Diagnosing a dental abscess

An abscess is diagnosed by looking at your teeth and gums. You will be told if any tests are needed, such as dental X-rays.

Treating a dental abscess

Treatments for a dental abscess may include the following:

• Antibiotic medicines. These treat the underlying infection.
• Pain relievers. These help you feel more comfortable. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine for you. Or you may use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Warm saltwater rinses. These can soothe discomfort and help clear away pus.
• Root canal surgery.  This may be done if needed to save the tooth. With a root canal, the infected part of the tooth is removed. A special substance is then used to fill the empty space in the tooth.
• Draining the abscess. This may be done if needed. Incisions are made to allow the infected material to drain from the tooth.
• Removing the tooth. This is done in cases of severe infection that cannot be treated another way.

You may need to be admitted to a hospital if the infection is severe, has spread, or does not respond to treatment.

When to call the dentist Call your dentist right away if you have any of the following: ·       Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher ·       Increased pain, redness, drainage, or swelling in the treated area ·       Swelling of the face or jawbone ·       Pain that cannot be controlled with medicines

 

Preventing dental abscess

To prevent another abscess in the future, keep your teeth clean and healthy. Brush twice a day and floss at least once daily. See your dentist for regular tooth cleanings. Stay away from sugary foods and drinks that can lead to tooth decay.

 

Dental Abscess

An abscess is a sac of pus that forms when a tooth or surrounding tissue becomes infected from bacteria. There are two types of dental abscess, a periodontal abscess (gum-related) and a periapical abscess (tooth-related).

• Periodontal abscess: This is a gum abscess that is usually caused by an infection in the space between the tooth and gum. The infection may occur after food gets trapped between the gum and tooth. In people with severe periodontal disease, bacteria can build up under the gum and in the bone.

• Periapical abscess: This is a tooth-related abscess that occurs inside the tooth. This happens when the tooth's nerve is dead or dying. This type of abscess shows up at the tip of the tooth's root. Then it spreads to the surrounding bone.

An untreated abscess can cause the loss of the tooth. It can even spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.

Symptoms of a dental abscess 

Signs of a dental abscess include:

• Toothache, often severe
• Tooth pain with hot, cold, or pressure
• Pain in the gums, cheek, or jaw
• Bad breath or bitter taste in the mouth
• Trouble swallowing or opening the mouth
• Fever
• Swollen or enlarged glands in the neck

 

Diagnosing a dental abscess

An abscess is diagnosed by looking at your teeth and gums. You will be told if any tests are needed, such as dental X-rays.

Treating a dental abscess

Treatments for a dental abscess may include the following:

• Antibiotic medicines. These treat the underlying infection.
• Pain relievers. These help you feel more comfortable. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine for you. Or you may use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Warm saltwater rinses. These can soothe discomfort and help clear away pus.
• Root canal surgery.  This may be done if needed to save the tooth. With a root canal, the infected part of the tooth is removed. A special substance is then used to fill the empty space in the tooth.
• Draining the abscess. This may be done if needed. Incisions are made to allow the infected material to drain from the tooth.
• Removing the tooth. This is done in cases of severe infection that cannot be treated another way.

You may need to be admitted to a hospital if the infection is severe, has spread, or does not respond to treatment.

When to call the dentist Call your dentist right away if you have any of the following: ·       Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher ·       Increased pain, redness, drainage, or swelling in the treated area ·       Swelling of the face or jawbone ·       Pain that cannot be controlled with medicines

 

Preventing dental abscess

To prevent another abscess in the future, keep your teeth clean and healthy. Brush twice a day and floss at least once daily. See your dentist for regular tooth cleanings. Stay away from sugary foods and drinks that can lead to tooth decay.