Dental Abscess Treatment
Abscess Drainage (Incision)

Causes of dental abscess formation

A dental abscess most commonly develops as a result of an untreated dental problem.

Untreated tooth decay

During tooth decay, bacteria gradually reach the inside of the tooth. When the infection reaches the pulp, inflammation develops, which can spread through the root apex to the surrounding tissues.

Periapical inflammation

Infection at the tooth’s root apex often leads to abscess formation. In this case, the inflammation spreads through the bone, and a pus collection develops.

Gum disease

In advanced periodontal disease, the gum and tissues around the tooth weaken. Bacteria can easily penetrate the deeper layers, where inflammation and an abscess may form.

Loose filling

If a filling becomes loose in a filled tooth, bacteria can easily reach the bone and tissues around the root apex through the nerve canal. In many cases, they generate such severe inflammation that it leads to abscess formation.

Abscess in the mouth – how to recognize it?

A dental abscess often appears as swelling or a blister on the gum. The patient frequently notices a painful, pressure-sensitive area around the tooth.

Tooth sensitivity, elevated temperature or fever, general malaise, and swollen lymph nodes may also occur. If left untreated, the problem poses even greater dangers, as the inflammation can spread through the connective tissue spaces of the face.

The most common symptoms include:

• gum swelling
• lump appearing on the gum
• purulent gum
• unpleasant breath
• pain while chewing

In many cases, an abscess forming on the gum may eventually rupture.

What happens if the dental abscess ruptures?

It’s possible that the pus will break through the swelling on the gum and the abscess will rupture. In the case of an abscess around the tooth root, the pus can also penetrate the thin bone and drain into the oral cavity through the soft tissues.

In such cases, the pain subsides and the swelling decreases, but unfortunately this is only a temporary state. Until the abscess receives proper treatment, the symptoms will always return.