Abscess Means
An abscess is the body’s attempt to cure itself after an infection. Abscesses arise when bacteria, fungus, or other organisms enter the body and produce disease through an open wound.
When this happens, the body’s immune system is stimulated, and white blood cells are released to combat the infection. These white blood cells and other debris can accumulate in the incision and cause pus to form.
When pus accumulates and cannot drain, the region becomes a painful abscess.
Abscessed Tooth
An abscess is a formation of pus around the deep carious teeth. When the infection involves the tooth’s pulp, anyone can be affected by the tooth infection.
There are two types:
- Periapical Abscess
A periapical abscess develops usually develops at the end of the root tip when there is a deep carious formation or when the tooth is fractured.
- Periodontal Abscess
A periodontal abscess is an infection of the bone around your tooth.
You can have several abscesses. However, each is associated with only one tooth. Alternatively, one abscess may migrate through the bone and appear in many sites.
What Is the Root Cause?
The tooth is made up of enamel, the most complex surface of the tooth, then the dentin, and third the pulp, which is the blood supply to the tooth. The pulp can get infected at times. Most of the time, this is the consequence of:
- · A significant cavity Tooth decay
- · Periodontal disease, often known as gum disease
- · If there is a tooth fracture.
When there is high plaque formation, eating sticky foods and sweets, and keeping the teeth unclean, you’re more likely to develop these problems. Sugary meals and drinks promote bacteria growth, leading to cavities and other issues.
Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess
Sometimes the region around the toothaches. If it happens, the pain is generally severe and throbbing, mainly when you apply pressure on your teeth.
It may also extend to your jaw or other regions of your face on the afflicted side.
You may have also noticed:
- · Gum swelling and redness
- · Poor taste
- · Fever
- · Lymph nodes swollen
- · Breathing or swallowing difficulties
- · Temperature sensitivity (hot or cold)
- · Gums that are puffy
- · When you chew with that tooth, it emits a foul stench.
An abscess can sometimes form a pimple-like lump on your gum. That substance is pus.
If you have facial swelling and Fever or difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to the emergency department. The illness may have migrated to other places of your body.
Diagnosis of Abscess
Your dentist will most likely do the following tests to determine whether you have an abscessed tooth:
Tap your teeth and see if the tooth is tender. When they touch the affected tooth, it will ache if you have an abscess.
The dentist will conduct an X-ray. This will inform your dentist whether you have an abscess and if it has migrated to other areas of your mouth.
Once your dentist detects the abscess on their own, they will most likely refer you to an endodontist who is uniquely qualified to treat abscessed teeth.
Treatment
- · Root Canal Treatment
- · Antibiotics
- · Extraction
- · Surgery may be required to drain a periodontal abscess
Remember that if an abscess ruptures, your discomfort will subside, but you will still require treatment from a dentist or endodontist.