Skip to main content

Appointment Details

Chiudi

Affidati a noi per un trattamento dentale e personalizzato, supportato dall’intelligenza artificiale. Compila il modulo per fissare un appuntamento e scopri come possiamo garantirti un sorriso sano e duraturo con le nostre tecnologie avanzate.

Confirm Details

First Name:

Last Name:

Appointment Date:

Appointment Time:

Appointment for:

ABSCESS

An abscess is an accumulation of bacteria, white blood cells, plasma, and cellular debris (pus), confined in the tissues surrounding the tooth such as the gum, the jawbone, or the tooth pulp.

Based on the precise location where it originates, the abscess is distinguished into:

• Periodontal abscess
• Periapical abscess
• Pericoronal abscess
• Gingival abscess

What is a Dental Abscess?

Description
A dental abscess is a collection of pus that forms inside a tooth or in the surrounding gum tissue due to a bacterial infection. The infection can originate in the tooth pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) or in the gums.

A dental abscess can cause swelling, intense pain, and sensitivity, and may be associated with symptoms such as fever and headache.

The treatment of a dental abscess usually involves the administration of antibiotics to combat the infection and the drainage of the abscess to remove the pus. In some cases, more extensive dental intervention may be required, such as drainage through a surgical procedure or root canal therapy to remove the infection from the tooth pulp.

Types of Dental Abscesses

How many types of dental abscesses are there?
Dental abscesses can be classified into several types based on their origin and location. Here are the main types of dental abscesses:

  1. Periapical Abscess: This forms at the root of a tooth due to an infection in the tooth pulp, often linked to untreated cavities or traumatic injuries.
  2. Periodontal Abscess: This type of abscess involves the gum tissues and occurs when an infection spreads along the gum line. It may be associated with gum diseases like periodontitis.
  3. Gingival Abscess: This develops in the gum tissue itself without directly involving the tooth. It can be caused by a foreign object in the gum or an accumulation of bacteria.
  4. Retropharyngeal Abscess: This type occurs in the back of the throat, usually due to an infection that spreads from the tonsils or gums toward the back of the mouth.
  5. Buccal Abscess: Involves the soft tissues in the mouth, such as the cheeks or tongue, and is often associated with cuts or injuries.
  6. Lateral Pericoronal Abscess: Forms along the side of a tooth, involving the surrounding tissues. It can be caused by a crack in the tooth that allows bacteria to enter.
  7. Recurrent Abscess: Occurs when an abscess temporarily heals but the infection returns. This may indicate a persistent source of infection.
  8. Endodontic Abscess: This term is often used to refer to abscesses that involve the tooth pulp and can include both periapical and lateral abscesses.

Each type of dental abscess may require a specific treatment depending on its nature and severity.

FreeSmile recommends always seeking prompt initial visits, as this is key to preventing complications and maintaining oral health. It is advised to consult a dental professional for proper evaluation and treatment in case of a suspected dental abscess.

Causes of a Dental Abscess

How the Infection Develops
A dental abscess primarily develops as a result of a bacterial infection. Below are the main conditions that lead to the development of a dental abscess:

  1. Untreated Cavities: Cavities form in teeth due to demineralization caused by bacteria present in dental plaque.
  2. Tooth Pulp Infection: When a cavity reaches the tooth pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels, bacteria can invade the pulp causing inflammation and infection.
  3. Death of the Tooth Pulp: Inflammation and infection can lead to the death of the tooth pulp, causing an accumulation of dead cells, bacteria, and inflammatory fluid inside the tooth.
  4. Formation of Pus: The death of the tooth pulp may result in the formation of pus. Pus is a mixture of dead cells, bacteria, and other cellular debris.
  5. Increased Pressure: As pus accumulates, pressure builds inside the tooth. This can cause sharp pain and may lead to the formation of an abscess.
  6. Abscess Drainage: In some cases, the internal pressure may cause the tooth root to rupture, allowing the pus to drain into the jawbone or surrounding gum tissue.
  7. Spread of Infection: If left untreated, the infection can spread to surrounding tissues, leading to periodontal, gingival, or other types of abscesses.
  8. Complications: Without treatment, complications can arise, such as the spread of the infection to other parts of the body or the formation of recurrent abscesses.

Symptoms of a Dental Abscess

Recognizing the Acute Stage
The symptoms of a dental abscess can vary depending on the severity of the infection and its location. Some of the most common symptoms associated with a dental abscess include sharp, throbbing pain, which may worsen with chewing or pressure on the infected tooth and radiate toward the ear, jaw, or neck. The area around the infected tooth may swell due to the accumulation of pus and the inflammation of surrounding tissues.

The teeth may become sensitive to hot or cold temperatures due to inflammation of the tooth pulp or the presence of an abscess. The presence of pus can cause a bad taste in the mouth, and in severe infections, fever may develop. The pain and swelling can make it difficult to chew or fully open the mouth. Bad breath is often associated with a dental abscess, especially if an infection is present.

Dental abscesses can also cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck and jaw area. In some cases, pus may appear as a white or yellow pustule on the gum tissue.

It is important to note that the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person, and a dental abscess may be asymptomatic or present mild symptoms in certain stages. However, even in the absence of clear symptoms, it is essential to seek dental care if a dental abscess is suspected, as infections can worsen over time and lead to more serious complications.

Treatment

Therapy and FreeSmile Dental Center
It is crucial to emphasize that if you suspect you have a dental abscess, it is important to seek professional assistance from a dentist. The FreeSmile Dental Center will guide you through the best therapeutic path after an initial consultation. We will ensure you are placed on one of the following pharmacological treatments:

  1. Antibiotics: If a dental abscess is confirmed, we will prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection. It is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics as instructed.
  2. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: The use of over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage the pain. It is important to follow the recommended dosages and consult with us, especially if you have any other health conditions.