ABSCESSSED TOOTH
An abscessed tooth is a localized collection of pus that can form in different parts of a tooth as a result of infection.
- An abscessed tooth is accompanied by moderate to severe pain that can sometimes radiate to the ear or neck.
- Anyone can get an abscessed tooth.
- It can also be called dentoalveolar abscess, or dental abscess.
- There are different types of abscessed tooth depending on the location. The main types are:
- Periapical abscess is located at the tip, or apex, or root of a tooth. This is the most common type of abscessed tooth.
- Periodontal abscess is located in the gum next to a tooth root. This type of abscess may also spread to the surrounding tissue and bone. It is the second most common type
- Gingival abscess is located on the gum without affecting either the tooth or the periodontal ligaments.
- Pericoronal abscess is located in the soft tissues surrounding the crown of the tooth
- If left untreated, an abscessed tooth may get serious and result in life-threatening conditions such as sepsis
- The infection may spread to the jaw and to other part of the head and neck.
CAUSES
The tooth is hard on the outside, but the innermost part of the tooth is filled with a pulp that contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues.
An abscessed tooth is formed when bacteria enters the teeth or gum. Bacteria can enter a deep dental cavity or tooth decay, or a crack in the tooth and spread all the way to the root. This can result in swelling and inflammation at the tip of the root.
Certain factors that may increase your risk of a tooth abscess includes:
- Poor dental hygiene
- A diet high in sugar
SYMPTOMS
- severe sharp or shooting pain near a tooth or in the gum
- pain when chewing or biting on the side of the affected tooth, when touching the affected tooth, or when putting pressure or warmth on it
- severe pain that can radiate to the jawbone, ear or neck
- fever
- swelling on the face or cheek
- tender, swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck
- bad breath and /or foul taste in the mouth
- swollen, red gums
- in some cases, difficulty opening the mouth
- Affected tooth may change color or become loose
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
The doctor will examine the tooth and the surrounding area.
A tooth that has an abscess at its root is generally sensitive to touch or pressure, the doctor may tap on the tooth.
The doctor may recommend an X-ray and a CT scan. The X-ray can help to identify an abscess and determine whether the infection has spread and is causing abscess in other areas.
If the abscess has spread to areas within the neck, a CT scan may be used to assess the extent of the infection.
TREATMENT
Treatment options aims to relieve the symptoms and reduce the risk of further spread of the infection. The dentist may:
- Open up and drain the abscess.
- Perform a root canal treatment
- Prescribe antibiotics or painkillers
- Pull out the affected tooth if the tooth cannot be restored or root canal treatment is not possible.
To help ease discomfort, the doctor may ask you to rinse your mouth with warm water or you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), as needed.
To keep your gums healthy to avoid any tooth disorder, these simple steps might help:
- Get regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings.
- Brush teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to clean hard-to reach spots between the teeth and gums
- Limit sugary foods and drinks