A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus in the tissues surrounding it. This pus begins to form once the body tries to fight the bacteria that cause the abscess. Once this happens, the area surrounding the teeth will become red and swollen, and a throbbing pain will become more prominent while eating. Additionally, an abscess will leave a bad taste in the mouth and even cause fever and swelling.
Once you notice any signs of an abscessed tooth, it is a good idea to go to the dental clinic right away. An untreated abscess will eventually spread to other parts of the body, especially the brain, and can become life threatening. Furthermore, we will help you learn more about dental abscess and what steps you should take in treating it.
What Is A Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess, also known as a tooth abscess, is a buildup of pus located inside the gums or teeth. This will usually be caused by a bacterial infection that starts to accumulate in the soft tissues of the mouth or inside of it(pulp).
Bacteria that lead to tooth abscess can be a result of dental plaque, saliva or as a by-product of a food, which sticks to the teeth and damages them and the gums around.
If you don’t maintain oral health by brushing and flossing regularly, plaque will build up, and bacteria will reach the inside of the tooth or gums. Eventually, this will lead to an abscessed tooth.
Causes Of A Dental Abscess
As we explained, dental abscess is a complication of severe dental infection. Bacteria present in plaque infect the tooth and, if not treated, make their way to the inside layers.
Abcès périapical
Tooth decay, also called caries, makes tiny holes in the hard top layer of the tooth. These holes let bacteria into the tooth.
The softer tissue under the enamel is called dentine, and cavities break it down over time. If the decay doesn’t stop, the hole will finally reach the soft pulp inside the tooth and get infected.
This is called pulpitis. As the pulpitis gets worse, the bacteria move to the alveolar bone, which supports and surrounds the tooth. This is where a periapical abscess forms.
Abcès parodontal
Periodontitis is an infection of the gums caused by bacteria that are found in plaque. The gums get swollen, which can cause the tissue around the tooth’s root to split from the tooth surface.
A small space called a periodontal pocket is made when the periodontal ligament breaks away from the tooth. It’s hard to keep the pocket clean because it gets dirty fast. A periodontal abscess forms when bacteria gather in the periodontal gap.
Patients can get periodontal abscesses after a dental treatment that created periodontal pockets by mistake. A periodontal abscess can also happen when medications are used on people with untreated periodontitis because they can hide the signs of an abscess. Periodontal abscesses can form whenever gums are damaged, even if there is no periodontitis.
Common Symptoms Of A Dental Abscess
Some of the most common signs that indicate a dental abscess include:
- Severe and constant tooth pain that will be located on your jawbone, neck and ear.
- Tender or swollen lymph nodes under the neck area.
- Pain and tooth sensitivity when eating or drinking hot and cold foods/drinks.
- Mauvaise haleine.
- Pain when eating and biting due to the pressure applied.
- Fever as a response to the infection.
- If the abscess ruptures, it may release a foul-smelling and bad-tasting fluid, often bringing temporary relief from the pain.
- Swelling of the neck, face or cheek, which can make breathing and swallowing food difficult.
How A Dentist Diagnoses A Dental Abscess
In addition to conducting an examination of your tooth and the surrounding area, your dentist may:
- Tap your teeth lightly. An abscess at the root of a tooth is typically characterized by sensitivity to pressure or contact.
- Suggest an X-ray. An abscess can be identified by taking an X-ray of the affected tooth. X-rays may also be employed by your dentist to find out whether the infection has spread, resulting in abscesses in other areas of the face.
- Suggest a computed tomography (CT) scan. In the event that the infection has spread to other regions of the body, a CT scan may be implemented to determine the severity of the infection.
Treatment Options For A Dental Abscess
Anyone experiencing signs of a tooth abscess should consult a dentist immediately. Dental abscesses are easily detected by a trained dentist.
People who are having difficulty swallowing or breathing should immediately go to their local hospital’s emergency room.
If you cannot go to a dentist right away, see a general doctor at the nearest hospital.
A doctor cannot treat an abscess, but they can prescribe medicine and provide advice on self-care and pain management, as well as the quickest method to receive emergency treatment if necessary.
Incision
One way to drain the pus out of the mouth is to make small incisions in the gums. This will immediately relieve pain but however further treatment will be neccessary to remove it all. This procedure will be performed once the doctor administers a local anesthetic so the patient does not feel pain or discomfort.
Treating A Periapical Abscess
A peripical abscess will be treated with a root canal treatment. The dentist will use a dental drill to make a hole in the tooth so that the pus comes out. Then, the damaged tissue will be removed from the pulp. To prevent additional infection and further complication, the hole will be closed with root filling.
Treating A Periodontal Abscess
After the abscess has been drained, the periodontal pocket will be prepared for cleaning. Scaling and planing will then be performed below the gum line in order to accomplish the smoothing of the surfaces of the root of the tooth. This aids in the healing process of the tooth and prevents any more infections from arising.
Surgery
Patients with a periapical abscess and a recurrent infection may require surgical excision of necrotic tissue. An oral surgeon will have to perform this procedure.
Individuals with a periodontal abscess and recurrent infection sometimes need gum tissue recontouring and the surgical removal of the periodontal pocket.
If a dental abscess recurs post-surgery, the tooth may need to be removed and then replaced with a dental implant or a root canal, depending on the patient’s desires and needs.
Home Remedies For Temporary Pain Relief
If, in any case, it is not possible for you to go to the dental clinic or the hospital to get the necessary treatment, here are some actions that will help you relieve the pain:
- Avoid drinking or eating foods that are too cold or too hot.
- Try chewing the food only with the other side of the mouth.
- Do not floss or brush the abscessed tooth.
Keep in mind that while these simple actions will help you feel more comfortable, it is very important to go to the emergency room as soon as possible. This will help avoid any of the complications that can come from an abscessed tooth.
Potential Complications If The Abscess Is Left Untreated
Most of the time, complications only arise if the abscess is not treated. Even after treatment that seems to be working, issues can still arise, but this is extremely uncommon. Potential complications include:
Dental cysts
If the abscess is not treated, a fluid-filled cavity can form at the bottom of the tooth’s root. This is known as a dental cyst, and there is a good chance that it will get infected. If this is the case, the patient may require antibiotics and potentially surgery.
Ostéomyélite
The bacteria from the abscess enter the bloodstream and infect the bone. The patient may experience hyperthermia, intense pain in the damaged bone structure, and even nausea.
The afflicted bone is usually located close to the abscess location. Nonetheless, once it has spread into the bloodstream, any bone in the body may be impacted. Treatment entails the use of either oral or intravenous antibiotics.
Cavernous sinus thrombosis
The cavernous sinus, a sizable vein near the base of the brain, becomes the site of a blood clot due to the spread of bacteria. Cavernous sinus thrombosis is managed with medications and, in certain cases, surgical intervention to drain the sinus.
In certain instances, the condition may be lethal; however, this is a very uncommon issue.
Ludwig’s angina
This is an infection of the floor of the mouth caused by the dissemination of bacteria from a dental abscess. Intense discomfort and swelling are present in the neck and under the mouth.
in severe cases, the patient may even experience difficulty in breathing. Ludwig’s angina is a potentially life-threatening disorder.
If this is the case, patients will receive antibiotic treatment to kill the infection, and to prevent respiratory issues they will need to go through with a surgical procedure.
Maxillary sinusitis
The bacteria grow in the maxillary sinuses, which are tiny openings behind the cheekbones. Although it might be uncomfortable, this illness is not life-threatening.
In addition to having sore cheeks, the patient might develop a fever. in some cases, the condition goes away on its own. In other cases, the dentist may recommend antibiotics based on the severity of the case.
How To Prevent Dental Abscesses
Preventing dental abscess includes maintaining good oral hygiene and regularly visiting your dentist. This will help seek early intervention for dental issues without them getting worse and causing further complications.
Furthermore, we will help you understand some of the strategies that will help avoid the risk of painful and potentially serious outcomes of an untreated dental abscess.
Daily Oral Care
Good oral hygiene routines, such as brushing and flossing every day, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing and flossing on a regular basis helps to remove plaque, which is a sticky film that clings to the teeth and harbors germs that can cause cavities and enamel deterioration.
Fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash can also help prevent dental abscesses.
Regular Dental Visits
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings help dentists to discover and treat possible problems before they progress to abscesses.
It is advised to schedule dental appointments every six months for optimal oral health, although adjustments may be necessary based on individual factors. A standard dentist check-up includes a thorough cleaning, a detailed examination of the teeth and gums, and, if necessary, X-rays.
Early Intervention
Early detection and treatment of dental disorders such as cavities or gum disease can help prevent them from progressing to a tooth abscess. Early intervention entails promptly diagnosing and treating dental caries (cavities), gum disease, and other oral infections.
Prompt management can prevent more damage to the gums and surrounding tissues, preserving the tooth’s health and avoiding the need for more invasive treatments.
Questions fréquemment posées
What Should You Know About Wisdom Teeth Extraction And Dental Abscesses?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure performed to remove one or more of the molars located at the end of the mouth. If the patients have an extraction, it is rare for them to get an infection if they maintain good oral hygiene.
However, in some cases, food can get stuck under the gums and cause an abscess, which doesn’t always cause pain or tenderness. Instead a bad taste in your mouth or swelling will be present. The dentist will need to reopen the surgical site where the infection was found and treat the issue surgically.
How Is A Dental Abscess Treated?
Treatment for a dental abscess is determined by the degree of damage. For minor illnesses, the dentist may prescribe medicines to help clear the infection.
To prevent further damage, we may propose a temporary filling or crown for the damaged tooth. In more severe infections, a root canal surgery will be recommended.
Which Type Of Abscess Is The Most Common Type?
Peripical dental abscess is the most common type of dental emergency. This type of abscess forms at the tip of the tooth’s root and is typically caused by untreated tooth decay, trauma, or a damaged tooth, which allows germs to enter the pulp.
It causes pain, swelling, and sometimes, pus discharge. If not treated promptly, the infection might spread to nearby tissues and intensify.
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