What do you know about Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess,
or tooth abscess, is a buildup of pus that forms inside the teeth or gums.
The abscess typically comes from a bacterial infection, often
one that has accumulated in the soft pulp of the tooth.
There are three types of dental
abscess:
Gingival abscess: The abscess is only in the gum tissue
and does not affect the tooth or the periodontal ligament.
Periodontal abscess: This abscess starts in the
supporting bone tissue structures of the teeth.
Periapical abscess: this abscess commences in the soft
pulp of the tooth.
Signs and symptoms of a dental abscess
include:
·
The main symptom of a dental abscess
is pain. This may be
a throbbing pain and is often intense. The pain usually starts suddenly and
becomes more intense over the following hours or days. In some cases, the pain
may radiate to the ear, jawbone, and neck.
·
pain
in the affected area when biting or when touching the affected area
·
draining fistula and ulcer on the site
·
sensitivity
to cold or hot food and liquids
·
a
foul taste in the mouth
·
fever
·
a
generally unwell feeling
·
difficulties
opening the mouth
· swallowing difficulties
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Treatment:
Any person with symptoms linked to a dental abscess should
see a dentist immediately. Dental abscesses are easily diagnosed by a qualified
dentist.
People who have swallowing and breathing problems should go
straight to the emergency department of their local hospital.
If you cannot get to a dentist immediately, visit a family
doctor.
A doctor cannot treat an abscess, but they may prescribe
medication and advise on self-care and pain management and are also likely to
know the fastest way of getting emergency treatment if required.
Incision: The abscess needs to be cut out and
the pus, which contains bacteria, drained away. The doctor will administer a
local anesthetic.
Treating a periapical abscess: Root canal treatment will be used to
remove the abscess. A drill is used to bore a hole into the dead tooth so that
the pus can come out. Any damaged tissue will be removed from the pulp. A root
filling is then inserted into the space to prevent subsequent infections.
Treating a periodontal abscess: The abscess will be drained and the
periodontal pocket cleaned. The surfaces of the root of the tooth will then be
smoothed out by scaling and planning below the gum line. This helps the tooth
heal and prevents further infections from occurring.
Surgery
People with a periapical abscess and a recurring infection
may need to have diseased tissue surgically removed. This will be done by an
oral surgeon.
Those with a periodontal abscess and a recurring infection
may have to have their gum tissue reshaped and the periodontal pocket removed.
This procedure will be performed by an oral surgeon.
If a dental abscess comes back, even after surgery, the tooth
may be taken out.
Pain management
Over the counter (OTC) painkillers may help reduce the pain while an
individual is waiting for treatment. It is important to follow the information
on the packet carefully. Painkillers are only there for pain reduction and
cannot replace a visit to a dentist.
Aspirin, ibuprofen or Tylenol (paracetamol) are effective
painkillers. However, some are unsuitable for certain types of patients.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent the infection from spreading and may be taken together with painkillers. Examples of antibiotics include amoxicillin or metronidazole. In no way should antibiotics be seen as a way of substituting treatment with a dentist, or postponing treatment.
To know more, visit us.
iDent, Idyll Dental Clinic
To book an appointment with us:
Call us at: +912240147049/09321330133
Email: smileident@gmail.com
Website: www.smileident.com
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