Dental Abscess: What to Do and How to Treat It

What is a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is an accumulation of bacteria, white blood cells, cellular debris and pus, which develops in the tissues surrounding a tooth or gum due to an infection. There are various types of abscesses, each with specific causes:

• Dental (or periapical) abscessforms at the root of the tooth.
• Gingival (or periodontal) abscessdevelops in the gingival tissue.
• Abscess of the Judgment Toothfrequent in wisdom teeth due to their position.

Causes of Dental and Gingival Abscesses

A dental abscess is often the result of an untreated caries that progresses to infect the nerve of the tooth. This can lead to the death of the nerve and the formation of pus. An abscess can also result from improper devitalisation treatment, causing inflammation and granuloma over time.

Gingival abscess, on the other hand, is caused by the accumulation of bacteria in the space between the tooth and gum, known as the gingival pocket. This condition is often related to periodontal disease.

Causes of the Abscess of the Judgment Tooth

Wisdom teeth are particularly prone to infections and abscesses because they are in a position that is difficult to reach for daily cleaning. Often, due to the lack of space, these teeth emerge abnormally, encouraging the proliferation of bacteria and the formation of pus.

Symptoms of Dental Abscess

Symptoms vary from mild pain to throbbing, intense pain, often accompanied by redness, swelling of the gums and, in severe cases, of the cheek and throat. In some cases, the pain may subside as the abscess swells, and fever, halitosis and a bad taste in the mouth may also be experienced.

Some abscesses are painless as pus is released through a fistula, reducing swelling and pressure.

What to do in the event of cheek swelling

The use of painkillers can ease the pain, but an antibiotic prescribed by the dentist or doctor is essential to treat the infection. A dental examination is essential to take diagnostic X-rays, which help identify the origin of the abscess. In the meantime, ice packs are recommended to reduce swelling and sleeping with the head elevated.

How Long Does a Dental Abscess Last?

An abscess may last a few days, but it is difficult to predict how long it will last without treatment. One should not wait for the abscess to resolve on its own because, although rare, an untreated infection can cause more serious health problems.

Treatment of Dental Abscess or Gingival Abscess

A dental abscess is generally treated with devitalisation (removal of the nerve and cleaning of the tooth canals) to eliminate the infection. The procedure includes several steps: anaesthesia, X-ray, isolation of the tooth with a rubber dam, removal of caries, cleaning and closing of the canals with biocompatible materials.

Gingival abscess, on the other hand, is treated with periodontal therapy, which aims to remove tartar and reduce or eliminate gingival pockets.

Treatment of the Abscess of the Judgment Tooth

The abscess of a wisdom tooth is generally treated with antibiotics and painkillers. Once the acute inflammation has resolved, extraction of the tooth is often considered.

Antibiotic for Dental Abscesses

Antibiotics must be prescribed by a professional and taken for a period of 5-6 days, even if symptoms improve sooner. The most common drug for these infections is Amoxicillin, sometimes combined with clavulanic acid. For those with allergies, antibiotics such as Macrolides can be used. Ibuprofen is an analgesic indicated to control pain, to be taken on a full stomach to avoid gastrointestinal problems.

Duration of Dental Abscess Swelling

With proper treatment, swelling tends to subside within 5-7 days. If left untreated, swelling and pain may persist and have negative effects on overall health.

Prevention of Dental Abscess

To prevent a dental abscess, it is important to make regular visits to the dentist for cleaning and check-up, including routine x-rays. It is essential to brush your teeth after every meal, floss and follow a balanced diet, reducing sugary foods and drinks.

Home Remedies for Dental Abscesses

Some home remedies can help temporarily reduce symptoms:

• Rinses with lukewarm salt and water
• Use lukewarm water to brush your teeth
• Apply ice to the affected area
• Avoiding extremely hot or cold food
• Avoiding strenuous physical activity

With timely intervention by a dentist, an abscess can be effectively treated and risks to dental health reduced.

Dental Abscess Related Topics

In addition to the information already provided, there are some issues related to dental abscesses that deserve attention. These include:

• DevitalisationsThis is a common procedure to treat dental abscesses, particularly those involving the nerve. Proper devitalisation can save the tooth from extraction and restore its functionality.
• White fillingsUsed to repair caries or tooth damage, white fillings not only improve aesthetics but can also help prevent the formation of abscesses, protecting the damaged tooth from further infection.
• Protected Amalgam Removal: Dental amalgams, historically used for fillings, can have an impact on dental health. It is important to perform a safe and secure removal of amalgams to reduce the risk of exposure to toxic substances.
• The Children's Dentist: Dental care in children is crucial to prevent future problems, such as abscesses. It is essential that children develop good oral hygiene habits from an early age and regularly visit a dentist specialised in paediatric dentistry.

Do you have a Dental Abscess? Make an Immediate Appointment!

If you suspect you have a dental abscess or are experiencing symptoms such as intense pain, swelling or fever, don't wait. Book an appointment with a dental health professional as soon as possible. Ignoring symptoms or procrastinating your visit can lead to serious complications and more complex treatment later on.

Conclusions

A dental abscess is a serious condition that requires prompt attention and treatment. Knowing the symptoms and causes can help you recognise when you need to see a dentist. Prevention, through good oral hygiene practices and regular check-ups, is essential to maintain good dental health and prevent the occurrence of abscesses and other conditions. If you are struggling or have specific questions about your dental health, do not hesitate to contact a dental professional. The health of your mouth is important and deserves the utmost care.