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What is it about ?
A tooth abscess is a build-up of pus (an empyema) that develops in a closed cavity in a infected gum or an inflamed tooth root. The gums form the outer covering of the tooth. The soft tissues, blood vessels and nerves of the teeth are located in the root of the tooth. Both can catch fire from infection with bacteria that usually penetrate along the small holes that appear in case of tooth decay. The buildup of dead bacteria and necrotic tooth tissue can lead to two types of abscess: a tooth root abscess and a gum abscess.
How to recognize it?
The main symptoms are pain and swelling of the jaw. When a tooth abscess develops, the person feels pain pain by chewing or putting pressure on the affected tooth. The tooth is also sensitive to heat (food) and cold (ice cream). This sensitivity disappears as soon as the nerve to the tooth is dead.
If the inflammation continues to spread and no treatment is started, general symptoms may also occur, such as fever, a general feeling of being unwell and / or fainting. tired. Swelling of the neck accompanied by swelling of the glands in the neck may occur, as may difficulty swallowing and to open your mouth.
How is the diagnosis made?
A dental abscess is diagnosed clinically, that is to say by an ordinary check-up without additional examinations. For a thorough inspection of the teeth and gums, a visit to the dentist is always necessary.
What can you do ?
Good oral hygiene (along with daily brushing and regular teeth cleaning with dental floss) is the best way to prevent abscesses. Go to the dentist at least once a year for a preventive check-up.
What can your doctor do?
In the acute phase, the doctor will refer you to the dentist as soon as possible for local treatment. If this is not directly possible, the doctor may prescribe pain relievers and possibly antibiotics. These temporarily treat the abscess and infection, but not the tooth.
Whatever happens, a visit to the dentist will be necessary for further treatment. If necessary, the dentist will puncture the abscess to remove the pus, and then treat the tartar and cavities (the causes of infection). If there is inflammation at the root of the tooth, he will clean the root under local anesthesia. If general symptoms are present and the pain remains too much after topical treatment, antibiotics may be necessary.
Want to know more?
- Mouth and teeth (images) – Christian Mutuality
- Tips for unparalleled oral hygiene – Christian Mutuality
- Visiting your dentist – Christian Mutuality
- Painkillers and self-medication – Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products
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