What Is Tooth Abscess?

It is a pocket of pus that’s caused by a bacterial infection. It can occur in different regions of the tooth or different reasons. A periapical abscess occurs at the tip of the foot, whereas a periodontal abscess occurs in the gums next to a tooth root. The information here refers specifically to periapical abscesses.
Causes
- Your tooth is hard on the outside, but the inside is filled with a pulp made up of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels.
- A deep cavity or tooth decay
- Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease
- A cracked tooth
Symptoms
- An intense, throbbing pain in the affected tooth or gum that may come on suddenly and gets gradually worse.
- Pain that spreads to your ear, jaw and neck on the same side.
- Sensitivity to cold or hot food and liquids
- A foul taste in the mouth
- Fever
- A generally unwell feeling
- Insomnia
- Swallowing difficulties
Types
Gingival abscess: It is only in the gum tissue and does not affect the periodontal ligament.
Periodontal abscess: It starts in the supporting bone tissue structure teeth.
Periapical abscess: This abscess commences in the soft pulp of the tooth.
Diagnosis
You might notice:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Gum redness
- Bad taste
- Pain when you chew
- Jaw pain
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- A pimple-like bump on your gum
- Tooth X-ray to find abscess
Treatment
The pain can be intense and prevent a patient from eating properly.
Open up and drain the abscess: The dentist will make a small cut into the abscess, allowing the pus to drain out, and then wash the area with salt water.
Perform a root canal
Pull the affected tooth
Prescribe antibiotics
Note: We at Medikoe provide you with the best healthcare articles written and endorsed by experts of the healthcare industry to boost you knowledge. However, we strongly recommend that users consult a doctor or concerned service provider for expert diagnosis before acting on this information.