What is a tooth abscess picture. Gum Abscess: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
What are the signs of a gum abscess. How is a gum abscess diagnosed. What treatments are available for gum abscesses. Can gum abscesses heal on their own. What complications can arise from untreated gum abscesses.
Understanding Gum Abscesses: A Comprehensive Guide
A gum abscess, also known as a periodontal abscess, is a painful condition that occurs when bacteria in the mouth cause an infection in the space between the teeth and gums. This pocket of pus can lead to serious complications if left untreated, making early detection and proper treatment crucial for maintaining oral health.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Gum Abscess
Identifying a gum abscess early is key to preventing more severe oral health issues. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent, severe pain in the affected area
- Swelling and redness of the gums
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Pain while chewing
- A loose tooth
- Bad taste in the mouth (due to pus discharge)
- Pus discharge
- Fever
Is it possible to have a gum abscess without noticeable symptoms? While some oral conditions may go undetected in early stages, gum abscesses typically cause noticeable discomfort and visible signs. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek dental care promptly.
Causes and Risk Factors for Gum Abscesses
Understanding the underlying causes of gum abscesses can help in prevention and early intervention. Some common causes include:
- Periodontitis: An inflammatory condition of the gums caused by poor oral hygiene
- Deep periodontal pockets: Spaces that develop around teeth due to gum disease
- Weakened immune system: Factors such as stress, fatigue, or chronic illness can reduce the body’s ability to fight infections
How does poor oral hygiene contribute to gum abscesses? When plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates on teeth and isn’t removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can lead to gum inflammation and infection, potentially resulting in an abscess.
Diagnosing a Gum Abscess: What to Expect
If you suspect you have a gum abscess, it’s essential to see a dentist for proper diagnosis. The diagnostic process typically involves:
- Visual examination of the gums
- Assessment of symptoms and oral health history
- Dental X-rays to check for periodontal disease, infected teeth, or bone loss
Can a gum abscess be diagnosed without X-rays? While visual examination and symptom assessment can often indicate the presence of a gum abscess, dental X-rays provide valuable information about the extent of the infection and any potential bone loss, helping guide treatment decisions.
Treatment Options for Gum Abscesses
Treating a gum abscess promptly is crucial to prevent complications and promote healing. Common treatment approaches include:
- Draining the abscess to remove the infection
- Scaling and root planing: A deep cleaning procedure to remove plaque and tartar
- Antibiotic therapy to fight the infection
- Possible tooth extraction in cases of severe bone loss
- Regenerative procedures to restore lost bone or gum tissue
Is it possible for a gum abscess to heal on its own? While symptoms may improve slightly over time, a gum abscess will not completely heal without professional treatment. Even if an abscess ruptures and drains naturally, it’s essential to see a dentist to address the underlying infection and prevent recurrence.
The Importance of Prompt Treatment
Delaying treatment for a gum abscess can lead to serious complications, including:
- Spread of infection to surrounding tissues
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Tooth loss
- Systemic infection affecting other parts of the body
How quickly should you seek treatment for a suspected gum abscess? It’s advisable to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you notice symptoms of a gum abscess. Prompt treatment can prevent the infection from worsening and reduce the risk of complications.
Preventing Gum Abscesses: Oral Hygiene Best Practices
Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to preventing gum abscesses and other periodontal issues. Here are some essential practices:
- Brush teeth thoroughly twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacteria in the mouth
- Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings
- Avoid smoking and limit sugar intake
How often should you replace your toothbrush to maintain optimal oral hygiene? Dentists generally recommend replacing your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed or worn.
The Link Between Gum Health and Overall Wellness
Maintaining healthy gums is not just important for your oral health; it can also impact your overall well-being. Research has shown connections between gum disease and various systemic health conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Respiratory infections
- Pregnancy complications
How does gum health affect the rest of the body? The bacteria associated with gum disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially causing inflammation and affecting other organs and systems. This underscores the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and addressing gum issues promptly.
The Role of Diet in Gum Health
Your diet plays a significant role in maintaining healthy gums and preventing conditions like gum abscesses. Consider incorporating these gum-friendly foods into your diet:
- Crunchy fruits and vegetables (e.g., apples, carrots) that help clean teeth
- Foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and leafy greens
- Dairy products high in calcium, which supports strong teeth and bones
- Green tea, which contains antioxidants that may reduce inflammation
What foods should you avoid to protect your gum health? Limit consumption of sugary and acidic foods and beverages, as these can contribute to tooth decay and gum inflammation. Also, be cautious with sticky foods that can adhere to teeth and gums, providing a breeding ground for bacteria.
Advanced Treatments for Severe Gum Abscesses
In cases where a gum abscess has led to significant damage or doesn’t respond to initial treatments, more advanced procedures may be necessary:
- Gum graft surgery: To repair receded gums and protect exposed tooth roots
- Bone grafts: To regenerate lost bone tissue in the jaw
- Dental implants: To replace teeth lost due to severe infection
- Laser therapy: To remove infected tissue and promote healing
Are these advanced treatments covered by dental insurance? Coverage for these procedures varies depending on your insurance plan. Some may be considered medically necessary and covered, while others might be classified as cosmetic. It’s important to consult with your dental insurance provider to understand your coverage options.
Recovery and Follow-up Care
After treatment for a gum abscess, proper follow-up care is essential for complete healing and prevention of recurrence. This may include:
- Taking prescribed antibiotics as directed
- Using saltwater rinses to promote healing
- Avoiding hard or crunchy foods during the healing process
- Attending follow-up appointments to monitor progress
- Implementing improved oral hygiene practices
How long does it typically take for a gum abscess to heal after treatment? While initial relief may be felt within a few days of treatment, complete healing can take several weeks. It’s important to follow your dentist’s post-treatment instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.
The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Gum Health
Various lifestyle factors can influence your risk of developing gum abscesses and other periodontal issues. Consider the following:
- Smoking: Increases risk of gum disease and impairs healing
- Stress: Can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections
- Alcohol consumption: Excessive drinking can dry out the mouth and increase bacterial growth
- Medications: Some medications can affect gum health as a side effect
How can you mitigate the impact of these factors on your gum health? Quitting smoking, managing stress through relaxation techniques, moderating alcohol intake, and discussing medication side effects with your healthcare provider can all contribute to better gum health.
The Role of Genetics in Gum Health
While lifestyle factors play a significant role in gum health, genetics can also influence your susceptibility to gum disease and abscesses. Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to developing periodontal issues, even with good oral hygiene practices.
Does a family history of gum disease mean you’re destined to develop problems? Not necessarily. While genetic factors can increase your risk, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and seeking regular dental care can help mitigate this risk. If you have a family history of gum disease, inform your dentist so they can provide appropriate preventive care and monitoring.
Emerging Technologies in Gum Abscess Treatment
As dental research advances, new technologies are being developed to improve the diagnosis and treatment of gum abscesses. Some promising innovations include:
- Advanced imaging techniques for more precise diagnosis
- Bioactive materials that promote tissue regeneration
- Targeted antibiotic delivery systems
- Stem cell therapies for gum and bone regeneration
How might these emerging technologies change the landscape of gum abscess treatment? These advancements could lead to more accurate diagnoses, less invasive treatments, and improved outcomes for patients with gum abscesses. As research progresses, we may see shorter recovery times and more predictable results in treating periodontal conditions.
The Future of Gum Disease Prevention
Research into gum disease prevention is ongoing, with scientists exploring various approaches to reduce the incidence of periodontal issues. Some areas of focus include:
- Development of more effective oral care products
- Exploration of probiotics for maintaining oral health
- Research into genetic markers for gum disease susceptibility
- Investigation of the oral microbiome and its role in gum health
What role might personalized medicine play in preventing gum abscesses? As our understanding of genetic factors and individual oral microbiomes grows, we may see more tailored approaches to gum disease prevention. This could include personalized oral care regimens and targeted interventions based on an individual’s specific risk factors.
Pictures, Treatment, Symptoms, Causes, and More
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Left untreated, a gum abscess can lead to serious complications. But catching and treating it early leads to a more positive outlook.
What is a gum abscess?
An abscess is a pocket of pus that can develop on many parts of your body, including the inside of your mouth. Some people develop a tooth abscess that affects the area surrounding the tooth. But sometimes, an abscess can form on the gums.
Also called a periodontal abscess, a gum abscess is a painful condition that can lead to serious complications. It’s important to recognize the signs of a gum abscess and get medical treatment if you develop one.
A gum abscess occurs when bacteria in the mouth causes an infection in the space between the teeth and the gums. Some gum abscesses result from periodontitis disease, which is caused by poor oral hygiene.
Periodontitis disease is an inflammatory condition of the gums that develops when plaque accumulates under the gums. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria. When it isn’t removed from teeth through regular brushing and flossing, an infection can occur in the surrounding tissue. This can result in the formation of an abscess.
A gum abscess can also occur due to a deep periodontal pocket. A periodontal pocket is a space that develops around the teeth from gum disease. Bacteria can live in this space. If food and plaque become embedded in this space, bacteria can thrive.
Having a weaker immune system can also contribute to a gum abscess because your immune system is unable to fight off infections. Factors that may reduce your body’s defenses include being tired, stressed, or having a chronic illness.
Some oral conditions of the mouth and gums can go unnoticed and cause little symptoms in early stages. This is not the case with a gum abscess.
These abscesses can cause persistent, severe pain in the affected area. If you open your mouth and observe the area, you may also notice swelling and redness. Other signs of a gum abscess include:
- sensitivity to heat or cold foods and drinks
- pain while chewing
- a loose tooth
- bad taste in the mouth (from pus discharge)
- pus discharge
- fever
If you experience gum pain, tenderness, or tastes pus in your mouth, don’t ignore these signs. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist may be able to identify a gum abscess (or make another diagnosis) based on your symptoms.
During this appointment, your dentist may examine your gums and look for signs of an infection. These include pain, swelling, and redness. Along with visual observation of your gums, your doctor may order a dental X-ray to check for periodontal disease or an infected tooth (due to pulp infection). An X-ray can also help your doctor assess whether you have bone loss from the infection.
Symptoms of a gum abscess may improve slightly in time. But even if an abscess ruptures and drains, you should still see a dentist to treat the infection.
Keep in mind that a gum abscess will not completely heal on its own. It’s important that you see a dentist to begin treatment.
Treatment for a gum abscess involves draining the abscess and removing any debris in your periodontal pocket. Your dentist may suggest a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planning. This procedure removes plaque and tartar from above and beneath the gum line.
Draining the abscess is necessary to remove the infection and prevent complications. This procedure involves cutting an incision in the abscess. Your dentist may apply numbing cream to the area before beginning the procedure.
Your doctor can use your dental X-ray to determine whether your gum abscess has resulted in bone loss. Depending on the extent of bone loss, your dentist may choose to extract a tooth. They may also recommend a procedure to regenerate lost bone or gum tissue.
A gum abscess can sometimes affect the pulp, which is the center of the tooth. The pulp is made up of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. If the pulp is affected, you may need a root canal to remove the damaged section of the tooth.
Medications
In addition to these dental procedures to remove and treat infection, your dentist may prescribe a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics can help with swelling if your dentist is unable to completely drain the abscess. This medication can also prevent reoccurrence and stop the infection from spreading to other areas of your body. If you experience pain, your dentist can prescribe pain medication.
There’s no way to treat a gum abscess at home. To reduce pain and sensitivity until you see a dentist, rinse your mouth with warm salt water or take over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen to reduce inflammation.
Don’t ignore a gum abscess. If left untreated, the infection can spread deeper into the gum tissue and affect surrounding teeth and bones. This can cause increased pain and swelling, and the infection could travel to other parts of your face and body.
In rare cases, a gum infection can travel to the bloodstream and cause a life-threatening complication known as sepsis. Sepsis symptoms include:
- a temperature above 101˚F (38˚C)
- difficulty breathing
- abdominal pain
- high heart rate
Practice good oral hygiene to prevent a gum abscess. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis. Brush your teeth two to three times a day, particularly after meals. This reduces the amount of plaque that accumulates on your teeth and under the gum line. Also, floss at least once a day to remove food and plaque stuck in the gums.
Make sure you schedule regular dental cleanings. Get your teeth professionally cleaned every six months. Your dentist can observe the health of your teeth and gums, and diagnose oral problems early to prevent disease and infections.
Shop for toothbrushes and dental floss.
With early treatment, the outlook for a gum abscess is positive. Your dentist can drain the pus and remove the infection, reducing the risk of complications. But if left untreated, a gum abscess can worsen and lead to a potentially life-threatening infection.
Consult your dentist if you develop any pain, swelling, or discharge in your gums.
Pictures, Treatment, Symptoms, Causes, and More
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Read more about our vetting process.
Was this helpful?
Left untreated, a gum abscess can lead to serious complications. But catching and treating it early leads to a more positive outlook.
What is a gum abscess?
An abscess is a pocket of pus that can develop on many parts of your body, including the inside of your mouth. Some people develop a tooth abscess that affects the area surrounding the tooth. But sometimes, an abscess can form on the gums.
Also called a periodontal abscess, a gum abscess is a painful condition that can lead to serious complications. It’s important to recognize the signs of a gum abscess and get medical treatment if you develop one.
A gum abscess occurs when bacteria in the mouth causes an infection in the space between the teeth and the gums. Some gum abscesses result from periodontitis disease, which is caused by poor oral hygiene.
Periodontitis disease is an inflammatory condition of the gums that develops when plaque accumulates under the gums. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria. When it isn’t removed from teeth through regular brushing and flossing, an infection can occur in the surrounding tissue. This can result in the formation of an abscess.
A gum abscess can also occur due to a deep periodontal pocket. A periodontal pocket is a space that develops around the teeth from gum disease. Bacteria can live in this space. If food and plaque become embedded in this space, bacteria can thrive.
Having a weaker immune system can also contribute to a gum abscess because your immune system is unable to fight off infections. Factors that may reduce your body’s defenses include being tired, stressed, or having a chronic illness.
Some oral conditions of the mouth and gums can go unnoticed and cause little symptoms in early stages. This is not the case with a gum abscess.
These abscesses can cause persistent, severe pain in the affected area. If you open your mouth and observe the area, you may also notice swelling and redness. Other signs of a gum abscess include:
- sensitivity to heat or cold foods and drinks
- pain while chewing
- a loose tooth
- bad taste in the mouth (from pus discharge)
- pus discharge
- fever
If you experience gum pain, tenderness, or tastes pus in your mouth, don’t ignore these signs. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist may be able to identify a gum abscess (or make another diagnosis) based on your symptoms.
During this appointment, your dentist may examine your gums and look for signs of an infection. These include pain, swelling, and redness. Along with visual observation of your gums, your doctor may order a dental X-ray to check for periodontal disease or an infected tooth (due to pulp infection). An X-ray can also help your doctor assess whether you have bone loss from the infection.
Symptoms of a gum abscess may improve slightly in time. But even if an abscess ruptures and drains, you should still see a dentist to treat the infection.
Keep in mind that a gum abscess will not completely heal on its own. It’s important that you see a dentist to begin treatment.
Treatment for a gum abscess involves draining the abscess and removing any debris in your periodontal pocket. Your dentist may suggest a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planning. This procedure removes plaque and tartar from above and beneath the gum line.
Draining the abscess is necessary to remove the infection and prevent complications. This procedure involves cutting an incision in the abscess. Your dentist may apply numbing cream to the area before beginning the procedure.
Your doctor can use your dental X-ray to determine whether your gum abscess has resulted in bone loss. Depending on the extent of bone loss, your dentist may choose to extract a tooth. They may also recommend a procedure to regenerate lost bone or gum tissue.
A gum abscess can sometimes affect the pulp, which is the center of the tooth. The pulp is made up of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. If the pulp is affected, you may need a root canal to remove the damaged section of the tooth.
Medications
In addition to these dental procedures to remove and treat infection, your dentist may prescribe a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics can help with swelling if your dentist is unable to completely drain the abscess. This medication can also prevent reoccurrence and stop the infection from spreading to other areas of your body. If you experience pain, your dentist can prescribe pain medication.
There’s no way to treat a gum abscess at home. To reduce pain and sensitivity until you see a dentist, rinse your mouth with warm salt water or take over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen to reduce inflammation.
Don’t ignore a gum abscess. If left untreated, the infection can spread deeper into the gum tissue and affect surrounding teeth and bones. This can cause increased pain and swelling, and the infection could travel to other parts of your face and body.
In rare cases, a gum infection can travel to the bloodstream and cause a life-threatening complication known as sepsis. Sepsis symptoms include:
- a temperature above 101˚F (38˚C)
- difficulty breathing
- abdominal pain
- high heart rate
Practice good oral hygiene to prevent a gum abscess. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis. Brush your teeth two to three times a day, particularly after meals. This reduces the amount of plaque that accumulates on your teeth and under the gum line. Also, floss at least once a day to remove food and plaque stuck in the gums.
Make sure you schedule regular dental cleanings. Get your teeth professionally cleaned every six months. Your dentist can observe the health of your teeth and gums, and diagnose oral problems early to prevent disease and infections.
Shop for toothbrushes and dental floss.
With early treatment, the outlook for a gum abscess is positive. Your dentist can drain the pus and remove the infection, reducing the risk of complications. But if left untreated, a gum abscess can worsen and lead to a potentially life-threatening infection.
Consult your dentist if you develop any pain, swelling, or discharge in your gums.
Tooth abscess – what is a tooth abscess: causes, treatment, symptoms
Tooth abscess is an inflammatory process that occurs due to caries, trauma or other reasons and occurs in the area of the tooth root. Moreover, the root itself may or may not be affected. Without urgent medical intervention, the risk of tooth loss is high, since this pathology develops very rapidly. So no need to tighten. Do not forget that an abscess is also dangerous by the spread of infection throughout the body and sepsis with weak immunity.
This process is acute and purulent. It can affect the gums and soft tissues in general. It is characterized by the accumulation of pus in the region of the alveolar process of the jaw. And since the process develops quite quickly, the treatment should not be delayed.
Tooth abscess
- Causes
- Symptoms
- Indications for treatment
- Contraindications for treatment
- Types of tooth abscess
- Diagnosis
- Types and methods of treatment
- Phlegmon: a dangerous complication
- Tooth abscess has become chronic. What to do?
- Prevention
- How long does it take to recover?
- Summing up
Causes
Such inflammation is in most cases the result of neglected caries. But it can also appear for other reasons:
- Chronic inflammatory processes in soft tissues, whose development led to abscess without treatment. In this case, the infectious process that threatens the tooth becomes a complication of another problem.
- Injury, especially severe, in which the integrity of the tooth or soft tissue (or both) has been compromised.
- Caries. This is the main reason. If nothing is done with carious cavities, the disease affects the pulp, and then penetrates deeper into the periodontium. And periostitis (flux) is the result of ignoring the problem.
- Cracks and chips of teeth. They are not always associated with injuries, but can also lead to an abscess. Especially if pathogenic bacteria enter the cavity in large numbers, and local immunity is too weak.
- Very poor oral hygiene combined with a weak immune system. In this case, the body will often be affected by various infections. And abscesses can begin to form even on more than one tooth.
As you can see, the control of the general condition of the oral cavity is very important. You also need to understand what to pay attention to.
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Symptoms
A tooth abscess is usually indicated by the following:
1.
Pain
A dull, aching pain appears in the area of the focus of suppuration, which will, as it were, pulsate. And it will be accompanied by the whole process, up to the removal of pus.
2.
Fever, especially at night
Typical for severe cases when complications have already begun.
3.
Swelling of soft tissues combined with redness
That is, deformation of the gums with a serious abscess can be seen with the naked eye.
4.
A sense of schedule
It sometimes occurs because pus begins to accumulate in a certain area.
5.
Significant increase in pain when chewing
And some patients cannot eat at all, at least until they go to the dentist.
6.
Increased sensitivity to hot or cold
Somewhat similar to pulpitis, but usually more pronounced.
7.
Trouble sleeping
Trouble sleeping
8.
Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite, which even favorite foods cannot cause.
9.
Unpleasant taste and smell in the mouth
It can be noticed by a doctor even without a thorough diagnosis.
10.
Enlargement of lymph nodes
Enlargement of cervical lymph nodes
It should be noted that these are the main signs of pathology. But the patient should not be self-diagnosed. A person without specialized training has no idea how many internal processes take place in relation to the dentoalveolar apparatus and can easily confuse one pathology with another. Even dentists do not make a verdict without pictures and the result of a computer examination. And self-diagnosis, like self-treatment, can only do harm.
Indications for treatment
Tooth abscess is a direct indication for treatment. But even if you are not sure that you have this particular pathology, it does not matter. Any of the above symptoms is enough to call a doctor. All this somehow points to dangerous processes. Therefore, in any case, you need to be treated. And you can’t tighten it.
Contraindications to treatment
An abscess is an acute purulent process that can affect not only the canals of the tooth, but also fill the cavity outside of it. A fistula may form, infection can be transferred throughout the body, that is, sepsis. The inflammatory process can spread to the jaw bone. There may be a lot of problems. That is, a tooth abscess is a great threat to the health and life of the patient.
Therefore, doctors in most cases, in one way or another, carry out medical procedures to help the patient in connection with an abscess. Moreover, this is carried out even when they usually try to refrain from dental intervention, for example, during pregnancy or during exacerbation of chronic diseases. The fact is that the lack of help with an abscess can cost the body much more. And in any case, all decisions are made by the doctor after the examination.
Types of tooth abscess
It is worth noting that this disease can be of several types. This is worth taking into account:
- periapical
- Periodontal
- gum abscess
The periapical is located in the cavity of the tooth. It becomes the result of necrosis of the pulp. Pus in this case accumulates right under the root of the tooth. The threat of losing a molar is quite high, especially if you do not start taking action. There is usually no pain when chewing. But the tooth is quite sensitive to hot or cold.
The treatment is usually carried out through the dental cavity. But if additional tissues are affected, then cutting them is possible.
Periodontal, as the name suggests, means damage to the periodontium. That is, this species differs primarily in localization. The tooth may begin to stagger, because the ligament, that which holds it, noticeably suffers from the inflammatory process.
The pain is constant, dull, practically does not go away. Anesthesia in the form of tablets works poorly. Possible purulent discharge on the surface of the mucosa. Bad breath. Perhaps a general malaise, fever, weakness. You can save the tooth if you take action before the pus enters the pulp.
As a rule, it starts from the fact that the infection enters the gum pocket. The pain is dull, a rather strong reaction of soft tissues to hot and cold, to sweet and sour, to other irritations. This type of abscess is also characterized by severe swelling and redness.
In some cases, the cheek may even swell, problems with diction may begin. In severe cases – fever, general malaise. The infection can affect several teeth. The best guarantee of their preservation is a timely visit to the doctor.
As you can see, the abscess of the tooth can proceed in different ways, each has its own specifics. But regardless of what we are talking about, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Diagnostics
Tooth abscess is quite characteristic, so most dentists, especially experienced ones, determine it during a visual examination and based on patient complaints. But a specialist needs to take an x-ray to confirm his conclusions. In some cases, the patient is also offered a computed tomography of the dentition. Such an examination will help to see all the teeth and soft tissues, their condition, foci of inflammation (and there may be several), localization of pus, hidden cavities, and much more.
The diagnostic itself takes a minimum of time, usually up to half an hour. In this case, the patient may first be given pain medication so that he is able to undergo the procedure itself. In modern clinics, you will certainly be taken care of.
Treatment is aimed primarily at removing the purulent focus. Actually, we are talking about the following:
- The abscess is opened. This can be done through the tooth cavity or through the gum (in the latter case, an incision is made). Next, the cavity is washed with saline.
- A special channel is formed for the dental pulp, they are cleaned. It is possible to use special solutions or formulations that will help to significantly strengthen the tooth.
- If necessary, the tooth can be extracted. This is done when its preservation threatens the rest of the molars or is simply impossible due to the great destruction.
- Antibacterial therapy is also in progress. It is aimed at ensuring that the infectious process does not affect the remaining teeth, does not spread to soft tissues and to the jaw.
All treatment is performed under anesthesia. Therefore, the patient will not feel discomfort. If the incision is very large, or if the cavity filled with pus was too large, he may be given a drain to heal the wound. In this case, the patient will need to wash the wound according to the instructions issued by the doctor, and the next day make an appointment again. However, these are exceptional situations. And in any case, you will write everything in detail.
Phlegmon: a dangerous complication
It should be noted that a tooth abscess can start to develop rather quickly. And this pathology has dangerous complications. One of the most dangerous is phlegmon. We are talking about a purulent process that goes beyond a specific cavity. It begins to spread throughout the body through the bloodstream, can enter the heart. As a result, a person risks death.
So when you are urged not to delay in going to the dentist, remember that this is about your safety, your health and your life. Such appeals should not be taken solely as advertisements for clinics.
Tooth abscess has become chronic. What to do?
Sometimes patients begin to suffer quite often from dental abscesses. Periodically – the same or located in the same zone. And sometimes such a problem haunts a person constantly with different teeth. In any case, a chronic abscess is a rather serious pathology. And in order to solve the problem, and not constantly turn to dentists for the opening of another purulent focus, it is necessary to understand the cause.
As a rule, abscesses are the result of either caries that has not been cured, or extremely poor hygiene. Especially if the latter is combined with weak immunity. But immunity can become weak, in turn, due to poor hygiene.
That’s why you need to reconsider your attitude to hygiene. Maybe your toothbrush isn’t right for you. Or maybe you don’t brush your teeth regularly enough. Or you are doing it wrong. So, many people forget that you need to brush your teeth in the morning and in the evening for at least 5 minutes a day. Moreover, it is necessary to clean all sides, as well as from above.
If you have a malocclusion or crooked teeth, regular brushing may not be enough. In this case, you can use a toothbrush. Another option is to switch to an electronic toothbrush. Also, don’t forget to floss.
A good hygiene aid is mouthwash. They help to reduce the sensitivity of the gums, remove bad breath. But masking their health problems is definitely not worth it. In addition, not a single rinse can replace a full-fledged cleaning for the mouth, so these products should be taken solely as auxiliary, but no more!
Prevention
Avoiding a tooth abscess is pretty easy. For this you need:
1.
Pay as much attention to oral hygiene as possible.
2.
If you develop plaque, have a professional hygienist have it removed. The same is true for stones.
3.
Do not start caries, treat teeth in a timely manner.
4.
Monitor the condition of the gums. They also need your attention.
5.
Visit the dentist regularly. If you have everything in order with your teeth, then visits to this doctor should be made every six months. If you are at risk, for example, you have a malocclusion or something else, then you need to contact the dentist 2 times more often.
You also need to be attentive to your health after undergoing dental treatment for caries. After that, there should be no pain or swelling of the gums. These signs indicate that something has gone wrong. Also keep in mind that the neighboring tooth, which you did not treat and for some reason ignored, could actually become inflamed. It is sometimes quite difficult to localize the place of pain in the mouth.
Incorrect tooth extraction can in some cases also lead to an abscess. For example, if we were talking about a complex molar – about the eight. In this case, an inflammatory process near the roots of the seven can become a complication.
Also, quite often, a tooth abscess begins as a result of improper root canal treatment. For example, the patient had pulpitis, he asked for help. The dentist treated the teeth, but one of the channels was not covered, it was missed for various reasons. Or some of the channels were not completely cleaned. Another option: the tip of the needle of the equipment with which the cleaning was carried out broke off, it remained in the canal.
All of the above can lead to an abscess. Therefore, after canal treatment, you need to be very careful about your own body.
How long does it take to recover?
We are often asked if one visit to the dentist is enough to treat a tooth abscess. As a rule, yes. However, it is difficult to say something unambiguously, since it depends on the size of the focus of inflammation, on how far this process has gone. Plus, do not forget that much is determined by the body’s ability to resist, its immunity.
In general, even in difficult cases, 1-2 weeks is enough for even the consequences to pass. But in fact, the patient becomes noticeably better on the day of treatment. And the next one, the swelling starts to disappear. Most patients do not feel pain after visiting the dentist.
Summing up
Tooth abscess is a purulent acute process that covers the roots of the tooth. It can also occur in the area of soft tissues, the specifics depend on what kind of this pathology we are talking about. In any case, the abscess is characterized by dull pain, which, with the development of complications, can become acute. If nothing is done, a fistula may appear in the oral cavity.
Timely provision of medical care will save the patient from unpleasant symptoms. It also greatly increases the chances of saving the tooth.
Abscess of wisdom tooth, root – treatment and symptoms of purulent abscess
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Abscess – an infectious disease, often localized in the root of the tooth.
To identify a tooth abscess is not difficult, already at the first examination of the oral cavity, the doctor will be able to diagnose the presence of an abscess visually. To prevent dangerous complications, the dentist develops the right course of treatment based on individual symptoms. In the most serious cases, when the infection has destroyed the root system and it is no longer possible to stop the process, tooth extraction is prescribed. If the dentist identifies the possibility of eliminating the infection while preserving the tooth, the patient is prescribed a course of antibiotics, and the tooth may also be drained. This procedure involves the removal of necrotic tissue through the root canal.
- Advanced caries, periodontitis, pulpitis, gingivitis, and tooth cyst;
- Infectious diseases such as influenza, SARS, etc., can provoke the formation of an abscess;
- Chip or fracture of a tooth resulting from mechanical impact;
- Presence of boils on the skin formed in the region of the jaw;
- Infection introduced during dental procedures, which may occur as a result of irresponsible attitude on the part of the attending dentist;
- Presence of lesions on the mucosa or other areas of the skin.
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- Acute toothache, often throbbing;
- During chewing, when food gets on the affected tooth, unpleasant pain often occurs;
- Reaction to cold or hot food, high tooth sensitivity;
- General malaise, loss of appetite, poor sleep;
- Bad breath, feeling of bitterness;
- Gums become inflamed red, often puffy;
- An open ulcer may form on the gingival surface;
- Edema and swelling of the cheek in the area of the affected tooth;
- Enlarged lymph nodes;
- High body temperature.
Treatment of a tooth abscess is carried out in our dental clinic, you can make an appointment with a specialist by phone. Experienced doctors of high categories will quickly carry out a full-scale complex of effective treatment to eliminate acute pain, excluding the cause of this formation. For the procedure, modern techniques and safe medications of analgesic action are used.
If a tooth abscess is the result of untreated pulpitis, periodontal disease, caries, cysts or granulomas, our dentists will carry out the necessary set of actions to eliminate these diseases. Painless removal of granulomas, effective treatment of tooth cysts, pulpitis, periodontal disease and other diseases carried out in our clinic will not only eliminate acute toothache, but also improve the overall health of teeth and gums. A beautiful and healthy smile is the key to a good mood and success in all matters!
Our clinic treats a tooth abscess using an innovative technique that involves the use of a special low-intensity laser. With its help, doctors can quickly open the abscess and conduct painless drainage.
Prevention of tooth abscess involves careful care of the oral cavity and a timely visit to the dentist, if any negative symptoms occur.
Any dental disease is easier to cure in the early stages of its development, while avoiding complications and other unpleasant consequences.
Our advantages
Personal consultant for the entire period of treatment
Consultation of all specialists in one place
Fixed cost for the entire period of treatment
Treatment plan in printed form at hand – immediately
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More about therapeutic treatment
- Caries treatment
- Periodontitis
- Restoration of teeth
- Pulpitis
- Seal installation
- Dental filling techniques
- Treatment of dental hyperesthesia
- Cervical caries
- Wedge-shaped defect of teeth
- Inflammation of the tooth
- Tooth abscess
- Treatment of granuloma
- Bruxism.