Dental Abscesses

An abscess is a pocket of pus that accumulates when a bacterial infection breaks down tissue.

The abscess typically comes from a bacterial infection, often one that has accumulated in the soft pulp of the tooth.

The main symptom of a dental abscess is pain. This may be a throbbing pain and is often intense. The pain usually starts suddenly and becomes more intense over the following hours or days. In some cases, the pain may radiate to the ear, jawbone, and neck.

There are three types of dental abscess

• Gingival abscess or gum abscess forms on the surface of the tissue at the gum line of the teeth (gingiva). This is often a result of external damage to the gum, for example from food entering the gum line.
• Periodontal abscess: This type of abscess occurs deeper into the gum pockets. Since there is nowhere for pus to drain, the abscess spreads into the surrounding tissue and jaw bone.
• Periapical abscess: These begin in the soft tooth pulp, usually as a result of decay deep inside the tooth. Once tooth decay has eroded the protective enamel and dentin of the tooth, bacteria can invade the nerves and tooth pulp.

While some abscesses may appear as a small lump inside the mouth, they may also result in much greater swelling either in the mouth or on the face.

If you have one, it won’t get better on its own. You need treatment from a dentist or an endodontics a specialist who can help save your tooth. If you don’t treat it, the infection can spread beyond your jaw to your neck, head, or other body parts.

Prevention plays a major role in maintaining good dental health. Daily brushing and flossing, and regular dental check-ups can help tooth decay and dental abscess.