A tooth abscess is a health condition that occurs as a result of inflammation of the tooth root, which causes a painful swelling filled with pus around the affected tooth. (1) Find out more about the causes and methods of treating tooth abscess!


What is the cause of tooth abscess?


A tooth abscess occurs when bacteria reach the tooth root and surrounding tissue through small cracks, causing inflammation of the roots and the formation of a cavity filled with pus in the affected area. Common causes of tooth abscess are: (1)(2)


  • Severe tooth decay that destroys tooth enamel, and can reach the roots, leading to inflammation of the roots and the formation of an abscess.
  • Broken or cracked teeth.
  • Gum disease and periodontitis.
  • Suffering from a direct trauma to the tooth: It can cause cracks that may not be visible, which helps bacteria reach the internal tissues of the teeth and form an abscess. (3)


Who is at risk of developing a tooth abscess?


Some people are more likely to develop a tooth abscess than others, including: (3)(4)

  • Smokers.
  • Those who do not take good care of their dental hygiene.
  • Those who eat a lot of foods and drinks that contain a high percentage of sugar.
  • People with diseases that weaken their immune system, or take immunosuppressive medications
  • People with dry mouths.
  • People who are exposed to an injury or wound during gum surgery.
  • People who suffer from impacted or buried teeth (teeth that have not grown normally in their usual place inside the mouth and have difficulty appearing; due to their interference with other teeth or surrounding tissues). (5)


How is a dental abscess treated?


Treatment of a dental abscess includes managing  the infection, relieving pain and preventing complications, and depends on the severity of the abscess and the individual's condition, and includes: (6)


  • Draining the abscess: By making a small incision in the abscess to drain the pus from it, and irrigating the area with a saline solution, which relieves pressure and reduces pain. Sometimes the doctor may place a rubber drainage tube that helps keep the area open to get rid of any pus that may form.
  • Antibiotics: The doctor will prescribe the best antibiotic for your condition, usually one type of antibiotic such as Augmentin and its alternatives, clindamycin, or Flagyl. He may resort to using two types of antibiotics in cases of severe inflammation. In some cases, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics in the form of injections.
  • Nerve treatment (root canal): If the abscess is associated with the nerve of the infected tooth, the doctor may resort to opening the root canal to remove the infected tissue, clean the canal and close it to prevent any additional infection.
  • Tooth extraction: In cases where the tooth is damaged and cannot be saved; in order to get rid of the source of the infection.


Until the infected part recovers after these procedures, the doctor will recommend these steps to relieve pain and discomfort: (6)

  • Gargle with a warm saline solution.
  • Take painkillers.




Do you feel a pus-filled swelling under one of your teeth? Book your appointment now at the Dental Center at Al-Ahli Hospital. Our department is distinguished by the presence of advanced devices and technologies that help detect any dental problems early and ensure the provision of appropriate medical care by the most skilled doctors in Qatar. Early care protects your teeth and gives you peace of mind.



References

  1. Tooth Abscess: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
  2. Tooth abscess Information | Mount Sinai - New York
  3. Tooth Abscess: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments
  4. Dental abscess | NHS inform
  5. Dental abscess - NHS
  6. Tooth abscess - Diagnosis & treatment - Mayo Clinic