A bacterial infection in the gums causes a pocket of pus to form, which is referred to as a dental abscess. It usually appears as a red, swollen mass that looks like a pimple or boil. Although the infection mostly affects the afflicted tooth, it may also spread to nearby teeth and bone. Dental abscesses can appear for a variety of reasons in different areas surrounding a tooth. Continue reading to find out more about dental abscess symptoms, causes and treatment.
Types of Dental Abscess
A dental abscess can result from one of three main forms of tooth infections:
- Gingival Abscess: The tooth and its supporting tissues are not considerably impacted by this infection, which starts in the gums.
- Periapical Abscess: This type of dental abscess develops at the tip of the tooth root. Bacteria can enter a tooth when it’s decayed or fractured and make its way to the pulp, which is the interior portion of the tooth containing blood vessels and nerves. An abscess may subsequently develop from the infection’s spread to the tip of the root and, ultimately, the nearby bone.
- Periodontal Abscess: This is an infection that starts in the tissues and bone that support the teeth. It usually results from gum disease and affects adults more frequently. Advanced gum disease stages are frequently linked to periodontal abscesses.
Dental Abscess Symptoms
Individuals with a dental abscess often describe their pain as:
- Sharp or shooting
- Gnawing or throbbing
- Radiating to the neck, jawbone or ear
- Continuous or occurring only when chewing
Other dental abscess symptoms can include:
- A bitter taste in the mouth
- Sensitivity of the affected tooth to cold or hot temperatures
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Loosening of the affected tooth
- Swelling or redness of the gums
- An open, draining sore on the gums’ side
- Swelling in the lower or upper jaw
Furthermore, more generalised dental abscess symptoms may manifest, such as:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- General uneasiness, discomfort or feelings of illness
Dental Abscess Causes
Various factors can lead to a tooth abscess by creating openings for bacteria to infiltrate the tooth or surrounding tissues. These causes encompass:
- Severe Cavities: Tooth decay, characterised by the breakdown of the tooth’s hard surface, occurs when bacteria metabolise sugars in food and beverages, producing acid that erodes enamel.
- Gum (Periodontal) Disease: This condition involves infection and inflammation of tissues surrounding the teeth. As gum disease progresses, bacteria gain access to deeper tissues, potentially leading to an abscess.
- Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Teeth: Any opening in a tooth provides an entry point for bacteria, allowing them to penetrate and spread to the pulp.
- Injury to the Tooth: Trauma to a tooth, even in the absence of visible cracks, can damage the inner pulp, rendering it vulnerable to infection.
Dental Abscess Treatment
The primary objectives of tooth abscess treatment are to eradicate the infection and prevent potential complications. Treatment options typically include:
- Incision and Drainage: In this procedure, a small incision is made by the dentist to drain the pus from the dental abscess. A small rubber drain may also be placed to maintain an open pathway for the infection to drain effectively.
- Tooth Extraction: If the abscessed tooth is severely damaged and beyond repair, extraction may be necessary. In such cases, the dentist will remove the affected tooth to prevent the spread of infection.
- Root Canal: This treatment aims to eliminate the infection while preserving the affected tooth. During a root canal procedure, the infected pulp inside the tooth is removed, and the space is filled with material to prevent reinfection. While the pulp is essential during tooth development, mature teeth can function without it. Following the procedure, the tooth should return to normal function, although a dental crown may be necessary to protect the root canal. With proper care, a restored tooth can last a lifetime.
- Antibiotics: Your dentist may prescribe dental abscess antibiotics to complement your treatment. It’s important to note that while antibiotics can help combat remaining bacteria, they do not address the underlying cause of the infection, which is the affected tooth.
Conclusion
A dental abscess refers to a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection that can harm oral tissues and might extend to other regions of the body. For prevention, routine dental examinations are essential. Therefore, it’s imperative that regular visits not be delayed. During these consultations, dentists can detect problems early on, which makes them simpler to treat. It’s critical to get dental care as soon as possible if you’re in pain or uncomfortable in order to acquire the required treatment and stop subsequent issues.
