In many situations, an abscessed tooth is not difficult to self-diagnose. Your tooth is very sensitive to hot or cold foods, sweets and often, pressure. The area around the tooth is swollen and you may feel outrageous pain. This is the picture of a badly decayed tooth with infected nerves. Regardless of what type of abscess you may have, you need to be seen by a dentist as soon as possible. The infection caused by abscess can result in dangerous complications if not treated promptly. Abscess on the upper arch can extend into the sinus cavity. Rarely, these extensive infections have reached the brain.
A dental abscess will be one of three types:
- Gingival abscess – This type does not involve the tooth, or the periodontal ligament attached to the tooth. The gum develops an infection that can result in a small painful pocket of pus. Sometimes this type of abscess will form when there has been injury to the gum.
- Periodontal abscess – This abscess is an infection between the teeth and gum. Bacteria accumulate as plaque builds up under the gum. This can happen in a deep periodontal pocket, which is a space between the tooth and gum. The gum becomes infected and may show signs of redness and swelling.
- Periapical abscess – The most common type of tooth infection. When decay has attacked the tooth and infection reaches the nerve, it begins to die and results in swelling as pus forms at the apex of the tooth root.
Bacteria from an abscess can also lead to sepsis. This is a condition in which the body is fighting infection so desperately that it can turn toxic and begin to destroy your own immune system. Getting treatment when you first notice signs of a problem can prevent this from happening.
Ideally, excellent oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist will prevent any type of abscess from developing in your mouth. Your dentist will help you keep your oral health at its best.
Posted on behalf of Gramercy Dental Center