Safest Teeth Whiteners
The safest ways to whiten your teeth explained
Dentistry
General
Malocclusion
Cosmetic
A dental abscess can also be called an oral abscess or tooth abscess. It is a localized infection that results in a collection of pus.
The long-term build-up of pus inside the gums or teeth triggers an abscess, which forms due to a bacterial infection. The infection affects the surrounding structures of teeth and can cause persistent toothaches and other symptoms.
There are three main types of oral abscesses that can form in different regions around a tooth, including:
A Gingival abscess can also be called a gum abscess. It is a painful and rapidly expanding lesion that forms between the gums and teeth. It is the result of a bacterial infection.
The most common cause of a gingival abscess is the impact of a foreign object. This could be popcorn, a toothpick splinter, or something else.
In the beginning stages, a gum abscess appears as a red swelling with a shiny, smooth surface. After about 48 hours, the abscess becomes pointed and has a higher risk of erupting as it progresses.
A periodontal abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in the gum tissue. This abscess appears as a shiny, smooth swelling that protrudes out of the gums and is sensitive to the touch. The tooth or teeth around the abscess may also become sensitive or loosen.
A periodontal abscess typically develops in patients who have periodontal disease. This is the advanced stage of gum disease that results in permanent bone loss.
The long-term build-up of dental plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) initiates periodontitis. The calculus is located beneath the gums (subgingival), between the gums, and along the gum line. The calculus can only be removed with scaling and root planing treatment.
A periapical abscess forms at the root of a tooth. It consists of a pocket of pus that develops due to a bacterial infection. Bacteria first enters the innermost part of the tooth (dental pulp) through a cavity, crack, or chip.
The dental pulp contains the nerve, blood vessels, and connective tissues. It provides sensory innervation (stimulation) through a tooth’s nerve. Once the bacteria pass through the pulp, it can spread all the way down to the root, creating an abscess.
Inflammation, swelling, and pain typically occur at the tip of a tooth’s root where the abscess forms.
Summary
A tooth abscess is a painful pocket of pus that develops from a bacterial infection in the mouth. There are three types: gingival, periodontal, and periapical abscesses.
A tooth abscess is one of the later stages of tooth decay. Tooth abscess stages include:
The first stage is damage to the first layer of your teeth (enamel). Enamel decay is often caused by plaque build-up on your teeth. Some people may not experience any symptoms. Others may experience tooth sensitivity or develop spots on their teeth.
If you don't treat your enamel decay, it will progress to the next layer of your tooth. Dentin is the yellowish second layer. Many people will experience increased tooth sensitivity in this stage. In others, a small hole in your tooth may develop.
The soft inner pulp is the deepest layer of your tooth structure. If bacteria reach this layer, they can attack the nerve of the tooth. This often causes severe tooth pain. Eventually, the tooth's nerve dies, which is when the abscess begins to form.
Once the bacteria makes its way to your pulp, it can start to spread deeper into your gums or jaw bone. Your gums may begin to swell and you may see a small bump on your gums. This may feel like throbbing pain in your teeth, gums, and surrounding tissue.
If you do not treat your tooth abscess, it could lead to serious symptoms. The most common are:
Summary
The six stages of a dental abscess include enamel decay, dentin decay, pulp decay, abscess formation, and complications. Serious complications like sepsis (a deadly blood infection) and/or tooth loss can occur if left untreated.
The primary cause of dental abscesses is from plaque build-up due to neglected oral care. This includes not brushing, flossing, or using fluoride regularly. Other risk factors associated with tooth abscesses include:
Injuries, dental damage, or deep tooth cracks allow bacteria to spread to deeper parts of the teeth or gums. This can cause an abscess.
People with weaker immune systems or those taking medications for serious health conditions are at a higher risk of developing abscesses. This includes chemotherapy patients, steroids, and people with diabetes.
Eating sugary and processed foods results in the build-up of dental plaque and calculus. Without proper brushing, cleaning, and flossing, tooth decay may develop. Untreated decay can result in a dental abscess later on.
Summary
Dental abscesses are caused by poor oral hygiene/untreated dental infections. Risk factors include mouth trauma, weakened immune systems, poor diets, and tooth cracks, among others.
Depending on the type of dental abscess and how long it has been progressing, common symptoms may include:
If the abscess ruptures, you may notice a foul taste (salty fluid) and smell in your mouth. You will also feel pain relief in the infected tooth. If this occurs, call your general dentist immediately.
If you experience severe pain and difficulty breathing, call your local emergency department or 9-1-1.
Summary
The primary symptom of a dental abscess is severe pain near the infection site. Swelling, redness, and inflammation around the abscess are also common.
Depending on the type and severity of the infection, there are three treatment options available. They include:
If the abscess is treated early and hasn’t progressed, abscess draining is typically recommended. During the procedure, a dentist will make a small incision into the abscess to drain the pus. A dentist cleans the infected area and prescribes antibiotics post-op.
Root canal treatment is necessary when the bacteria spreads to the dental pulp and tooth roots. Or if there is an abscess at the root of a tooth (periapical abscess).
During the procedure, a dentist removes the infected dental pulp in the patient’s tooth and also drains the abscess. Then the root canal is cleaned, shaped, sealed, and restored with a dental crown.
The root canal procedure itself is typically performed in one to two appointments. If you add the crown on top of that, it can be three to four appointments. However, if you’re seeing an endodontist, it's usually just one visit for the root canal treatment. Then two visits with a general dentist for the crown.
Tooth extractions might be necessary after teeth are damaged from an injury, disease, or tooth decay. If an abscessed tooth cannot be saved, extraction is necessary. During the procedure, local anesthesia is administered and the tooth is removed using small instruments.
After extraction, the tooth socket is covered with sterile gauze, and pressure should be applied for about 20 minutes. Stitches may also be necessary. A dental implant can be placed after the extraction site heals.
Summary
Tooth abscesses must be treated quickly to prevent spreading. Your dentist must drain the infection (never try to do this at home). Root canal treatment and tooth extraction may also be necessary (depending on the severity).
Commonly prescribed antibiotics for dental abscesses include amoxicillin and penicillin. These antibiotics also treat many other types of general infections and tooth infections.
Your dentist may prescribe you metronidazole and penicillin to treat bacterial infections.
Antibiotics alone do not cure dental abscesses. Instead, they are taken after the root canal or extraction procedure to help clear up the infection.
Ibuprofen and similar painkillers can help control dental abscess pain before you see your dentist for treatment.
Many of these medications can be purchased over-the-counter and do not require a prescription. You can also take them in combination with the antibiotics your dentist prescribes after treatment.
Summary
Amoxicillin and penicillin can be used to treat the underlying bacterial infection. However, antibiotics will not cure an abscess. Professional drainage is still necessary. Over-the-counter medications can be used to manage pain before/after your appointment.
Dental abscesses should be treated promptly or there is a risk for serious complications. If you ignore your tooth infection or wait too long to get treatment, you may experience:
Summary
A tooth abscess is serious and can be life-threatening (if left untreated). It can lead to tooth loss, bone/sinus infections, septicemia (a deadly blood infection), or a brain abscess (rare).
Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent the development of any oral condition and disease. Dental abscess prevention tips include:
Summary
Optimal oral hygiene is essential for abscess prevention. Also, make sure you keep up with professional teeth cleanings and dental exams every six months.
A tooth abscess will not go away on its own. If the abscess is not drained by a dentist, it can spread to other areas of your body, including the jaw, head, or neck.
You should never try to pop or squeeze a dental or gum abscess. Doing so can push the infection into deeper tissues in your mouth.
You cannot drain a gum abscess at home. However, you can minimize the pain by applying a warm compress to the area 4 times a day for 30 minutes at a time.
Symptoms that a tooth abscess has spread to other parts of your body include fever, swelling, dehydration, increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, and stomach pain.
It is difficult to predict how a dental infection will spread, so it is best to assume that a tooth abscess is an emergency. Any visible swelling in the gums, whether it causes pain or not, could be dangerous, and you should seek urgent dental care.
Most abscesses are warm and soft to the touch. In some cases, they can be firm to the touch.
Antibiotics alone cannot treat a tooth abscess. An abscess has to be professionally drained by a dentist. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection has spread or is very severe.
In this article
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
