North Dental Studio

What is an Abscess?

dental abscesses

An abscess is an infection that can manifest in different forms within the oral cavity. There are two primary types of dental abscesses: periapical abscesses, which develop at the root of a tooth, and periodontal abscesses, which occur in the gum tissue. A periapical abscess typically arises when decay penetrates the nerve chamber, leading to nerve and pulp tissue death. Traumatic injuries or cracks in teeth can also cause nerve damage, resulting in abscess formation. On the other hand, periodontal disease, a chronic gum infection, can lead to bone and tooth loss if left untreated, potentially causing widespread infection throughout the mouth. Regardless of the specific location of the infection, if left untreated, it can progress to form a pus-filled area known as the Dental Abscesses.

What are the Symptoms?

Symptoms of an abscess include:

  • Severe pain and a throbbing toothache that can radiate to the jawbone, neck, or ear
  • Hot or cold tooth sensitivity that lingers
  • Pressure sensitivity
  • Fever
  • Facial swelling
  • Bad breath
  • Soreness in your neck and jaw from swollen lymph nodes
  • Rotten or sour taste in your mouth

It’s important to mention that sometimes a dental abscesses causes no pain, or sometimes the discomfort goes away suddenly. The pain associated with an abscess is typically caused by the buildup of fluid or gases inside the tooth as the nerve dies. Sometimes the infection works its way into the gum, creating a bubble on the gum. Once this bubble pops, the infection begins to drain into the gum tissue and mouth, and the pain subsides. However, this doesn’t necessarily indicate that the infection is improving; rather, it signifies that the pressure has been relieved.

Treatment

Once an abscess has been diagnosed, there are a few methods of treatment. Antibiotics can be prescribed to destroy the bacteria, but the central issue of an infected tooth, dying nerve, or periodontal disease must still be dealt with.

If your abscess is due to a dying nerve, a root canal may be recommended to clean out the infected tissue, shape the canals and place a rubber-like material in the canals to seal them. The dentist may place a crown or cap over the tooth to preserve the remaining structure and prevent further breakage.

dental abscesses

If the infection reaches the tooth’s root, the dentist may suggest an extraction and place an implant with a crown in its place.

If periodontal disease causes your abscess, the dentist may perform root planing and scaling. This is a deep cleaning done with anesthetic and specialized instruments. Sometimes, dentists use lasers to sterilize the pocket and prevent bacteria from reinfecting the area.

Preventing an Abcess

While you can’t always avoid a sudden traumatic impact causing a nerve to die, there are plenty of ways you can prevent decay-related infections and periodontal disease:

  • Visit your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings
  • Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day
  • Replace your toothbrush every three or four months and never, ever share it with anyone
  • Drink tap water or fluoridated bottled water
  • Watch your sugar and carbohydrate intake because they are bacteria’s favorite food
  • Use a mouth rinse before bed so it can sit on your teeth overnight

Conclusion

With a little care, you can help prevent an abscess and periodontal disease before they develop, saving yourself the inconvenience and pain of a toothache and the expense of major treatment. Explore our comprehensive dental care solutions to ensure your oral health and well-being. Schedule a consultation today.

Also Check : What Causes Tooth Loss? How to Prevent It and Protect Your Smile

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