Toothache is pain that makes everyone run straight to the dentist for relief. Although the tooth is a rigid structure, it has sensitive parts like the nerves, and if triggered, they send shooting pain. There are many reasons for this happening; one of those is dental abscess formation. Keep reading this blog for a detailed analysis of tooth abscess, its stages, and treatment options.
Oral or dental abscess is an infection that causes pus collection and when it stays for a long time, it becomes an abscess because of bacterial influence. The infection affects the teeth and causes constant ache.
Tooth Abscess Stages
A tooth abscess takes place in 5 stages:
1. Enamel Layer Decay
Enamel is the outermost tooth layer and, naturally, the first one affected. Plaque buildup is the reason for this. Few people may not feel any other signs or symptoms, but some may suffer from sensitivity or spotted teeth.
2. Dentin Decay
If the decay is not treated on the enamel layer, it goes deeper – towards dentin. Once the tooth abscess is in this stage, the affected person will have increased sensitivity or even a hole in the tooth.
3. Pulp Decay
The pulp is the deepest tooth layer and is extremely responsive to triggers. Once the bacteria reaches there, it easily causes an infection in the nerves resulting in pain. After the infection, the pulp dies, and then abscess formation starts.
4. Formation of Abscess
After reaching the pulp, it moves out from the teeth to the jawbone or gums. It begins swelling because of inflammation, and the entire oral cavity becomes painful.
5. Further Complications
Some of the complications that follow untreated tooth abscess are:
- Tooth loss – if the decay is not treated on time.
- Sepsis – when the bacteria spread in the bloodstream resulting in a fatality.
Tooth Abscess Types
The type of tooth abscess depends on the formation place.
Gum or Gingival Abscess
It is a painful, rapidly growing condition, forming lesions between the teeth and gums because of bacterial infection. Usually, gum abscess starts as an after effect from an impact such as a popcorn shell, toothpick, or other sharp matter.
Periapical Abscess
This forms on the tooth root. A pus pocket is created because of the bacteria which enters inside through a cavity, crack or chip on the tooth. When it passes the pulp, is spread out towards the root creating an abscess.
Periodontal Abscess
This kind of abscess forms a pus pouch in the gums. Like gingival abscess, this kind looks like a shiny pop-up on the gums and is extremely sensitive. Usually, it develops in periodontal disease patients; plaque hardens, initiating periodontitis.
Treatment For Tooth Abscess
The treatment plan depends on the disease severity; options available are:
Abscess Drain
Drainage is possible if the abscess has not spread a lot. The dentist makes an incision and sucks it out. Next, the site is cleaned and antibiotics are prescribed for complete infection eradication.
Tooth Extraction
Dentists opt for extraction as a last resort. Local anesthesia is injected, and the tooth is plucked during this procedure.
After removing it, the socket is covered with sterile gauze and pressurized. A dental implant in that area is a possible fit after healing for maintaining the aesthetics.
Root Canal
A root canal is done when the bacteria reaches tooth pulp. The dentist goes down the infected area, plucks it, and drains the pus. Then, the area is thoroughly cleaned, shaped, sealed, and covered with a crown.
Conclusion
A tooth abscess is an emergency. Contact Hermosa Dental for affordable dental treatments at E. Little York (713) 695-3400 Highway 6 (832) 427-1797 Porter (281) 747-7004 Tomball (832) 328 5651 for scheduling an appointment.