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Apr 28, 2025
A dental or tooth abscess is recognised by the presence of a pocket of pus in the gums or the root tip. It is a bacterial infection that affects oral tissues because of the build up of bacteria in the pulp of the tooth. It must be treated immediately to stop the infection from spreading to surrounding teeth and other parts of the body. The abscess can be of three types – gingival, periapical and periodontal. The gingival abscess affects the gums and spares the tooth. A periapical abscess develops in a damaged or fractured tooth and moves to its pulp.
The periodontal abscess infects the bone and tissues surrounding the tooth. It is especially harmful because the infection can spread to the jawbone and face. It can further travel to the neck and, in severe conditions, reach the heart and brain. If the infection reaches the heart, it causes inflammation of the valves. If it reaches the brain, it causes meningitis, which can be lethal in extreme cases. Let us understand dental abscess, its symptoms, causes and treatments. Awareness can help detect the problem early and get it treated quickly.
1. Symptoms of Dental Abscess
Dental abscesses can be easily identified because they cause a lot of pain that does not go away. The pain can spread to the face, neck and ears, making the person uncomfortable. The pus pocket can get inflamed by consuming hot and cold foods and beverages and cause pain. It can also get strained while chewing food and make the person uncomfortable. When the infection starts spreading, it can cause fever and swelling on the side of the face, as well as swollen lymph nodes.
The swelling and inflammation caused by the abscess can make breathing and swallowing challenging for the individual. The pus pocket can create a bad odour in the mouth. If the abscess cracks open, it can lead to a rapid gush of salty liquid in the mouth that has an obnoxious smell because the pus flows out of the pocket. An abscess can be visibly noticed when it is positioned on the gums and must be treated by visiting your reliable dentist in Hope Island as soon as possible.
1. Causes of Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that builds up due to cavities that are left untreated. The decaying tooth becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that destroy its hard surface or enamel. The infection finds its way to the pulp of the tooth, which contains blood vessels, connective tissues and nerves. This is known as the periapical abscess. Another way bacteria move deep into the teeth is when the upper surface is cracked or chipped. The infection starts building into the opening and moves to the pulp.
An abscess can also develop due to gum disease or periodontal disease, which infects the tissues surrounding the tooth and moves to the root. Sometimes, an accident, fall, or injury to the tooth can also cause an abscess if the inner pulp is damaged. The injury can make the tooth susceptible to bacterial infection and pus.
2. Diagnosing of Tooth Abscess
Diagnosing tooth abscesses requires an appointment with your Hope Island dentist, who will perform a dental X-ray. This is required to detect the reason behind the development of the pus pocket. The X-ray results can help identify the areas where the infection has spread and devise the treatment accordingly. The practitioner can also suggest conducting a thermal test to detect the health of the tooth pulp.
3. Treatments of Dental Abscess
Tooth abscesses should not be ignored and must be treated immediately. The procedure will depend on the severity of the problem, which must be evaluated by an expert dentist in Hope Island. They will use an incision to drain the pus out of the pocket and connect a rubber drain to get rid of the infection. When the infection has spread to the pulp, the practitioner will perform the root canal. It involves removing the pulp and filling up the area to prevent new bacterial build up. The tooth is covered with a crown to keep it protected.
If a tooth is severely damaged due to an abscessed tooth, the dentist will extract it and replace the gap with an implant. These treatments will be accompanied by antibiotics to prevent infection. The practitioner will also prescribe painkillers to manage the discomfort.
5. Ways to Prevent Dental Abscess
Tooth abscess can be prevented by maintaining proper oral hygiene, which is a must for optimum dental health. Brushing and flossing should not be missed at any cost even when travelling or too busy with work or other commitments. It is also a good idea to restrict the consumption of sticky and sugary food items that can damage your teeth. Lastly, visiting your dentist in Hope Island frequently is essential to get your teeth examined and detect problems before they become too big to manage.
Wrapping Up
Dental abscesses can occur because of cavities and gum problems. If a person is aware of the symptoms and risk factors, they can detect them easily. Getting the problem treated quickly is crucial to avoid its spread to other parts of the body.
