A dental abscess refers to the condition when a bacterial infection causes a collection of pus in your gums or teeth. The main symptom of this disease is acute, throbbing pain at the location of the abscess. Usually, the pain occurs suddenly and then gradually worsens over a few hours or a few days.
Types of dental abscess
A dental abscess can be of three types, namely:
· Gingival abscess: the abscess affects only the gum tissue; the periodontal ligament or the tooth are not affected;
· Periodontal abscess: the abscess sets into the teeth's supporting bone tissue structures; and
· Periapical abscess: the soft pulp of the tooth is the site where the abscess sets in.
Causes
A dental abscess can be caused by several factors, some of which are:
· Poor dental hygiene
· Intake of a lot of sugary or starchy food and drink
· Trauma to the tooth (like instances when a tooth is chipped or broken)
· Existence of openings in the tooth enamel
· Dental procedures which have accidentally created periodontal pockets
· Untreated gum damage
· The use of antibiotics in untreated periodontitis, which can mask the onset of an abscess
People having a weak immune system, especially those with an underlying health condition (like diabetes), or those suffering from the side effects of treatments (such as chemotherapy or steroid medication), are also at risk of being affected by dental abscess.
Complications
In most cases, complications occur only if the abscess is left untreated. However, in some cases, complications can occur even after effective treatment, though this is very rare.
Probable complications could include:
· Dental cysts: This refers to a fluid-filled cavity, which could develop at the base of the root of the tooth if the abscess is left untreated. A dental cyst is highly prone to be infected, and in case this happens, antibiotics would need to be administered. A few patients may even need surgery if their conditions warrant the same.
· Cavernous sinus thrombosis: The spread of bacteria gives rise to the formation of a blood clot at the cavernous sinus (a large vein at the brain's base). Though antibiotics are usually used to treat cavernous sinus thrombosis, a few cases may also need surgery to drain the sinus. A handful of these cases may become fatal, though that's an extremely rare complication.
· Osteomyelitis: The bacteria (in the abscess) enter the bloodstream and cause infection in the bone. A patient is likely to experience nausea, high body temperature, and severe pain in the affected bone. Treatment of this condition involves oral or intravenous antibiotics.
· Ludwig's angina: This is a potentially fatal condition, where an infection occurs on the floor of the mouth with the spread of the dental abscess bacteria. Symptoms include intense pain and swelling in the neck and under the tongue. In severe cases, a patient may even find it hard to breathe. Usually, antibiotics are used to treat Ludwig's angina, but in severe cases, a tracheostomy can be performed, especially when the patient experiences breathing problems.
· Maxillary sinusitis: The bacteria spread into small spaces behind the cheekbones, which are called the maxillary sinuses. Though this is not a serious condition, it can be painful. The patient may have tender cheeks or suffer from a fever. This condition often resolves on its own, though doctors may prescribe antibiotics at times, based on how severe the case is.
Steps to manage this condition
If you suffer from a dental abscess, the objective of treatment would be to get rid of the infection at first, thus ensuring that the tooth is saved and complications are prevented. To accomplish this, your dentist may suggest:
· Performing a root canal
· Draining the abscess via an incision
· Surgery to remove the affected tooth (in case it can't be saved)
While the area heals, your dentist may suggest some steps to help ease discomfort, such as:
· Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater.