Dental Care Kit | Affordable Dental Plans

How to care Your Teeth

Types of Dental Disease

Bad Breath & Treatment

Dental Abscess

What is an ABSCESS?

An abscess is the collection of pus following any infection, occurring within the body. When pus accumulates in relation to a tooth it is known as dental abscess. It can occur following an infection around the root of a tooth, in the gums or within the jawbone.

Causes

The most common cause is tooth decay. Tooth decay is a slowly progressing infection destroying the tooth and its contents. This infection descends down from the pulp to the tip of the roots and spreads into the surrounding bone. The pus formed is a result of this infection.

Injury to a tooth from a fall or blow can also result in a dental abscess.

Bacteria or food particles trapped within the gums or between the tooth and the gum can cause an infection resulting in an abscess.

Medical problems such as diabetes can result in frequent occurrence of dental abscess.

Symptoms

Pain associated with or without chewing

Redness and swelling in relation to the concerned area

Difficulty in swallowing

Foul tasting discharge within the mouth

Foul breath

Fever

What happerns if the Abscess is not treated?

If left untreated the bag of pus break's open into the mouth or the face causing recurrent discharge of pus. This can result in foul breath, foul taste or an ugly scar on the face.

At times the infection spreads within the face and the neck region resulting in certain life threatening conditions.

How is the Dental Abscess treated?

The main principle of treatment is to drain the accumulated pus and remove the source of infection. This can either be done through the tooth by doing a Root canal treatment or via the gums by incising and draining the abscess. This is followed by a complete course of antibiotics and pain relievers. If the infection still persists the patient is referred to an oral surgeon for the surgical removal of the infected area.

What can be done to prevent the spread of Dental Abscess?

The best way to prevent an abscess is to visit your dentist twice a year. At these appointments, your dentist will:

X-ray your teeth once a year to check for decay between
the teeth and to evaluate the health of your jaw bone.

Examine your teeth and mouth.

Remove any plaque and tartar that have built up on your teeth.

Teach you how to care for your teeth and maintain good oral health.

Alert you to any problem areas.

Recommend any needed treatments