The abscess is a mass of puss that occurs due to bacterial infection. If you have periodontal disease, tooth decay, and a cracked tooth, it can happen to any corner of the tooth. According to dentists in Orem, there are three kinds of abscess, periapical abscess, periodontal abscess, and gingival abscess. The periapical tooth abscess occurs due to an untreated dental cavity or prior dental damage and work.
Periapical is the abscess of the tip of the root, periodontal abscess in on the gum next to the root, and gingival is the abscess of gum. These dental problems occur when bacteria enter the soft tissue of your tooth. Once it enters the tissues, it can harm the blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. If the puss is not treated at the right time, it may cause serious dental issues.
Symptoms of an abscess include:
- Severe toothache
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperature and chewing
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Salty fluid in the mouth
- Foul smell
- Redness in the gums
- Fever
There are several treatments for an abscessed tooth, and your dentist will first assess the severity of the condition before prescribing treatments. Here are some of the treatments that you might be prescribed:
Antibiotics: If you have a weak immune system, your dentist might prescribe antibiotics.
Drainage of the infection: Your dentist might try to cut into the abscess to remove the puss. The procedure is followed by cleaning the area.
Tooth extraction: If the tooth is too damaged, the only option remaining is tooth extraction.
Root canal: A root canal is a procedure, which involves drilling into the tooth and removing infected pulp.
The abscess can be avoided if you follow good and oral hygiene practices. In addition, you should never miss your dental appointment and inform your dentist about any tooth trauma as soon as possible.
