Abscess

A dental abscess is often a painful infection found in the periphery of the roots of the tooth, or on the gum. It appears following a tooth fracture, gum disease, or in most cases, tooth decay, where the infection reaches the pulp inside the central cavity of the tooth. If left untreated, it can reach the bone of the jaw.

Symptoms

• Redness and swelling of the gum.
• Pain when chewing.
• Headache, fever, and general fatigue.
• Usually, a noticeable amount of green pus comes out, followed by the pain temporarily disappearing.

Complications

It is usually an infection of the bone mass that supports the teeth that is most often affected when dental abscesses are left untreated.

Treatments

• Antibiotic therapy, if needed.
• Draining of the pus, if it does not happen by itself.
• An endodontic cleaning (root canal), followed by eventually placing a crown, allows a proper treatment.

Prevention

• Proper daily oral hygiene, such as brushing the teeth three times a day.
• Frequent dental exams; twice a year.
• Reducing the use of tobacco products, or stopping altogether.
• Regular scaling and tartar removals during a dental cleaning.

Dental Problems

Abscess Broken Fillings Bruxism Cavity Denture Irritation Fluorosis Gum Disease Halitosis Jaw Problems Malocclusion Oral Cancers Plaque Tartar Tooth Discolouration Tooth Sensitivity Ulcer Xerostomia

References