A tooth that has an abscess at its root is generally sensitive to touch or pressure. Recommend
an X-ray
. An X-ray of the aching tooth can help identify an abscess. Your dentist may also use X-rays to determine whether the infection has spread, causing abscesses in other areas.
How can you tell the difference between a tooth abscess?
The most common reason behind a tooth infection is
decay
that is left untreated. As it enters the enamel and grows deeper, it will reach the pulp and start a problem. Other causes of an abscess are a tooth injury or a dental treatment that is close to the pulp.
How can you tell the difference between periapical and periodontal abscess?
Periapical (tooth) abscess is the most common of three. It occurs in the tooth (inside the soft pulp), typically as a result of tooth decay. Pus may appear at the gum line, but in most cases ends up in surrounding tissue. Periodontal abscess is usually found deep in the gum pockets (between the teeth and gums).
How is periodontal abscess diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a periodontal abscess is
based on medical and dental history as well as oral examination
(pocket depth, swelling, suppuration, mobility, sensibility of the tooth).
What is the difference between periodontal abscess and Pulpal infection?
It is a type of dental abscess. A periodontal abscess occurs alongside a tooth, and is
different from the more common periapical abscess
, which represents the spread of infection from a dead tooth (i.e. which has undergone pulpal necrosis). To reflect this, sometimes the term “lateral (periodontal) abscess” is used.
How long can an abscess go untreated?
If left untreated, the abscess may spread to your brain or spinal cord. The abscess is large, hasn’t healed within
two weeks
, and you also have a fever. The abscess appears to be spreading to other parts of your body. The abscess is becoming more painful or is throbbing.
How long can you go with an abscess tooth?
Antibiotics normally are effective in controlling the abscess; most of the symptoms will be alleviated within two days, and the abscess typically will heal
after five days of antibiotic treatment
. If the infection is limited to the abscessed area, antibiotics may not be necessary.
Is a periodontal abscess an emergency?
Is a Tooth Abscess Considered a Dental Emergency?
Tooth abscess is absolutely a dental emergency
. If you have a tooth abscess, you need to seek treatment immediately. Left untreated, abscess can lead to infection that spreads through the body causing serious and even life-threatening effects.
Can I pop a periodontal abscess?
You should never attempt to pop an abscess on your own
. However, there are methods you can use to help the abscess drain naturally on its own by pulling the infection out. Natural ways of doing this include using a tea bag or making a paste out of baking soda.
How do you treat a periodontal abscess?
Treatment for a gum abscess involves draining the abscess and removing any debris in your periodontal pocket. Your dentist may suggest a
deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planning
. This procedure removes plaque and tartar from above and beneath the gum line.
How does a periodontal abscess develop?
An abscess can occur with serious gum disease (periodontitis), which
causes the gums to pull away from the teeth
. This leaves deep pockets where bacteria can grow. If tartar builds up too much, or if food gets stuck in the pockets, pus forms. If the pus can’t drain, it forms an abscess.
Can antibiotics cure periodontal abscess?
Oral antibiotics can kill the bacteria causing the infection and keep the infection from spreading or reinfecting the area. This may also reduce swelling and pain in the area. Antibiotics are not a replacement for dental work, however, and
they will not cure the abscess
.
Can scaling cause abscess?
Post-scaling periodontal abscess
When should I be worried about an abscess?
Call your doctor if any of the following occur with an abscess:
You have a sore larger than 1 cm or a half-inch across
. The sore continues to enlarge or becomes more painful. The sore is on or near your rectal or groin area.
How common is death from tooth abscess?
A 2013 study published in the Journal of Endodontics looked at 61,000 hospitalizations for abscesses between 2000 and 2008, and found that 66 of those patients – or
roughly one in 1,000
– died from the infection.
How long does it take for a tooth abscess to go away with antibiotics?
What is the best antibiotic to treat a tooth infection? You’ll likely take antibiotics for
7 to 10 days
to get rid of your tooth infection, and dentists have a few options for which antibiotics they might prescribe.
