A dental abscess is a build-up of pus that occurs when an infection hits a specific part of the mouth. In this case, a periodontal abscess (also called a lateral abscess) is one that affects the teeth and other bone structures in the mouth. Swift diagnosis and periodontal abscess treatment offer the best chance of a full recovery and no lasting complications due to infection.
What is a periodontal abscess?
Nearly 200,000 people in the U.S. suffer from tooth abscesses every year, some of which are responsible for the nearly 850,000 dental-related emergency room visits annually.
Unlike other types of dental abscess that are found in the soft gum tissues and dental pulp, a periodontal abscess originates in the supporting bones of the teeth.
What are periodontal abscess symptoms?
The main symptom of a periodontal abscess is pain, but there are other warning signs.
- Pain and pressure that increases when you lay down
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold food and drink
- A rush of foul-tasting liquid when you bite down, with a corresponding temporary decrease in pain
- Bad breath
- Difficulty swallowing
- General feeling of malaise, or just feeling “off” or unwell
- Fever
- Radiating pain that spreads to the ear, jaw, or neck
In some severe cases, periodontal abscesses can cause difficulty with breathing. At this stage it is important to see a doctor immediately. If you are not able to get an appointment with your dentist or family doctor, a weekend dentist can help. If none of these options are available to you, a trip to an emergency dentist or the emergency room is in order.
A dental abscess may not cause any pain at first, and the pain may be episodic, especially as the abscess swells and bursts repeatedly. Patients may experience a pain-free period, followed by a slow build up of pressure and pain in the affected tooth.
Types of abscesses
In addition to a periodontal abscess, there are also the following two types of dental abscess:
- Gingival abscess: This type of abscess involves the gingival (gum) tissue only. It can be located very close to the tooth but does not occur as a result of tooth infection.
- Periapical abscess: A periapical abscess begins in the soft pulp inside the tooth with an infection of the dentin.
Symptoms for both of these abscesses are similar to the symptoms for periodontal abscess.
What are the causes of periodontal abscesses?
Periodontal abscesses are opportunistic infections. Even healthy mouths are host to millions of bacteria. This bacteria can cause infection, but it needs a place to go. The easiest place for bacteria to enter the teeth is through small cracks in the teeth.
These cracks can be caused by a number of things, including:
- Bruxism: Teeth clenching and grinding wears down enamel and can cause cracks
- Trauma: An injury to the teeth can cause cracks or openings in the teeth for bacteria
- Previous dental work: Teeth that have had previous cavities filled or have been treated with a dental restoration such as a crown are vulnerable to periodontal abscess
Poor dental hygiene remains a major risk factor for periodontal abscess. When teeth are not brushed and flossed regularly, bacteria can build up. More bacteria means more opportunity for infection.
Another risk factor is a high-sugar, high-acid, and high-fat diet. The bacteria that causes tooth decay thrives on sugar, acid, and fat. Feeding it copious amounts of soda, sugary treats, and processed foods will only make it harder to eliminate bacteria with brushing and flossing.
How dangerous is an abscessed tooth?
Whether you have a periodontal abscess, a gingival abscess, or a parietal abscess, getting treatment quickly is very important.
If left untreated, an abscessed tooth can lead to more serious health issues, including:
- Sinus infections
- Formation of a hollow tunnel in the bone and skin called a fistula
- Infection that travels through the blood vessels and into the brain, causing infection, coma, and in extreme cases, death
- Infection that encompasses the entire mouth and face, eventually restricting airways
- Complications of pre-existing conditions, including diabetes
How do you treat a periodontal abscess?
Periodontal abscess treatment is important to prevent further complications and health issues. If you have an appointment with your dentist but they feel it’s safe to wait a day or two, rinsing your mouth with an Epsom salt solution can help to clean your mouth. Biting gently on a cold tea bag and taking over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help control the level of pain while you wait to see your dentist.
Once you are at your dental appointment, periodontal abscess treatment generally follows the same steps as other types of dental abscesses.
Step 1: Drain the abscess
Your dentist will drain the abscess to get rid of all of the infected material and pus.
They will then thoroughly rinse the affected area with saline solution.
Step 2: Perform root canal
In most cases, a root canal can remove diseased and damage tissue.
Your dentist will use a drill to remove all of the dead or damaged tissue, plus any affected bone that cannot be saved. They’ll then fill and seal the tooth.
Step 3: Extract the tooth
If the tooth has been subjected to multiple dental abscesses and is degraded to the point where another abscess will be difficult to prevent, your dentist may opt for tooth extraction.
Step 4: Scaling and planing
If the tooth has not been extracted, your dentist will perform a deep cleaning procedure that reaches below the gumline. This is referred to as scaling and planing, a procedure that removes plaque and bacteria that can cause infection.
Step 5: Prescribe antibiotics
In some cases, your dentist will prescribe antibiotics. This is not always necessary, as the previous steps should have effectively eliminated the infection.
Once your periodontal abscess is treated, proper daily brushing and flossing and regular cleanings and checkups are the best ways to keep new abscesses from occurring. Contact AZ Dentist today to schedule your regular dental cleaning and checkup at one of our Phoenix area dental clinics.