Dental Abscess - Reasons to See Your Dentist Urgently
A dental abscess is characterized by the localized formation of a pus pocket, either inside the tooth, at the level of the gums, or in the bone that supports the teeth on the dental arch. The main cause of a dental abscess is a bacterial infection, often stemming from poor daily oral hygiene.
As we know, thousands of bacteria live in the oral cavity, helping to break down food residues and regulate pH. In the absence of a proper daily dental hygiene routine, plaque and tartar form on the teeth. Over time, tartar can lead to various conditions affecting the teeth and soft tissues.
How to Avoid a Dental Abscess
- Follow a strict daily dental hygiene routine at home;
- Avoid or limit the consumption of acidic or high-sugar foods and beverages;
- Attend regular check-ups twice a year with your dentist for a comprehensive dental status assessment and to detect any dental conditions that may not yet present symptoms;
- Take care of your overall health, as a weakened immune system can predispose you to other conditions.
Symptoms of a Dental Abscess
A primary symptom of a dental abscess is intense, continuous pain that progresses from the initial hours after the abscess forms. In many cases, the infection can spread to the ears, jaws, or even adjacent teeth.
Therefore, it is crucial to urgently consult your dentist and avoid self-medication.
Other symptoms of a dental abscess include:
- Tooth or headache pain;
- Swelling of soft tissues and the face;
- Reddened gums;
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth and bad breath;
- Fever (occasionally);
- Localized dental sensitivity;
- Mobility of the tooth or teeth in the affected area.
In severe cases, muscle spasms in the jaws may also occur.
Types of Dental Abscess
- Periapical Abscess: Located at the tip of the tooth root, affecting the dental pulp;
- Periodontal Abscess: Located in the periodontal pocket;
- Gingival Abscess: Located in the gums and soft tissues.
Causes of a Dental Abscess
Despite the hard outer layer of the tooth, known as dental enamel, the interior of the tooth consists of soft tissues, blood vessels, and dental pulp. Without proper care, deep dental caries can form on the tooth's surface, destroying the enamel and extending into the tooth's interior, causing infection of the dental pulp.
The most common causes favoring the development of an infection include:
- Deep caries;
- Periodontal disease;
- Tooth loss;
- Dental trauma.
How a Dental Abscess is Treated
The first step for effective treatment is a prompt reaction from the patient! A dental abscess does not disappear on its own, and if left untreated, it can worsen. The standard treatment for a dental abscess involves eliminating the infection through a procedure called drainage, which involves removing the pus from the formed infection pocket.
Depending on the location and severity of the abscess, possible treatments may include:
- Incision and Drainage: The pus is drained through an incision;
- Root Canal Treatment: Performed under a microscope to remove the infection from the root canal;
- Tooth Extraction: If the tooth is severely affected and cannot be saved, it may need to be extracted.
There are cases where the abscess may have no symptoms, indicating that the infection has found a way to drain. In such situations, the dentist can detect the dental abscess during a routine examination, often visible on a digital radiograph.
The treatment of a dental abscess is usually handled by an endodontist, who has the expertise to successfully resolve the case.
Post-Intervention Recommendations
After the procedure, the coordinating physician may recommend medication to ensure the patient's general health is protected.
To temporarily reduce pain or discomfort, the patient is advised to:
Avoid hot foods and drinks
- Consume cold and soft foods and beverages;
- Avoid chewing on the affected side;
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid using dental floss in the affected area.
These actions are not a long-term solution; visiting the dentist is extremely important!