Dental abscess: how should it be treated?

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Extract from the article: A dental abscess is a fairly common medical problem that can occur at any age. Essentially, it is an infection that occurs in the teeth or gums. It causes a great deal of discomfort, in particular a sharp, stabbing pain that worsens over time...

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A dental abscess is a fairly common medical problem that can occur at any age. Essentially, it is an infection that occurs in the teeth or gums. It causes a great deal of discomfort, in particular a sharp, stabbing pain that worsens over time. Dental abscesses should always be treated by a specialist. Even if it occurs spontaneously. Improper treatment can lead to serious complications.

Usually, the first thing you notice is inflammation of the gums. When this happens, it's best to explore the area carefully for any pockets of pus. If there are, it means that a dental abscess has formed.

What is a dental abscess?

A dental abscess can be defined as an accumulation of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can appear in different parts of the teeth and for different reasons. It usually occurs at the root of the tooth or between the gum and the teeth. The infection fills with pus and gradually becomes inflamed and increasingly painful. Dental abscesses tend to spread through adjacent areas. Sometimes it spreads to the mouth, face, jaw and/or throat. In the most serious cases, the abscess blocks the airways.

Dental abscesses can be divided into 2 types: firstly, apical abscess: this is an abscess that forms under the tooth and is caused by poorly treated decay or trauma to the teeth. This is the most common form of abscess. Then there is the periodontal abscess: this occurs when an abscess appears in the tissues supporting the tooth, i.e. in the gums or bone.

Characteristics and causes

Inflammation is a sign that the body has been able to isolate the infection. The pocket of pus is a concentration of white blood cells, viruses, bacteria and pathogens attacked by our immune system. So, in principle, a dental abscess is the body's defensive response.

A periapical dental abscess occurs when bacteria have invaded the deepest part of the tooth, i.e. the dental pulp. In this case, the pathogens penetrate through a cavity or fissure and advance to the root of the tooth. This usually happens because cavities have not been treated properly. It can also occur as a result of inadequate dental hygiene or a diet excessively rich in sugars or sweet foods. In the case of a periodontal abscess, this is due to the presence of a foreign body at the root of the tooth, or to some type of irregularity or anomaly. All these factors facilitate bacterial colonisation.

Symptoms

Pain is the most characteristic symptom of a dental abscess. It is intense, persistent and can get worse. It often extends to the jaw or ear. There is also hypersensitivity to heat or cold and pressure when chewing. There may also be inflammation of the cheek or face. In many cases, there may be a fever and the lymph nodes in the neck or jaw may be inflamed. There may also be a rash with an unpleasant taste and smell, as well as the presence of salty fluid in the mouth.

Treatment of an abscess

Consult a dentist without hesitation. He will be able to make a diagnosis after examining the area.

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