An abscess is an accumulation of pus, housed in the gum or at the base of a tooth, resulting from a bacterial infection.

There are two types of them:

• The periapical abscess, located at the end of the root of the tooth. This type of abscess occurs when the dental nerve dies and the pus caused by the infection can only be evacuated through the root tip (apex);
• The periodontal abscess, located in the gum tissue, near the alveolar bone. This type of abscess is usually a complication that occurs when a periodontal pocket is not treated.

Abscesses are usually very painful, and require immediate consultation with a dentist to avoid the spread of infection.

Periapical abscess

• Severe pain and heat sensation in the affected tooth;
• Presence of swelling in the gums and face;
• Bad taste in the mouth and bad breath (halitosis);
• Dental hypersensitivity;
• Severe pain during chewing;
• Presence of fever;
• Swelling in the lymph nodes;
• Fatigue and nausea.

Periodontal abscess

• Red gums, smooth and painful;
• Presence of swelling;
• Bad taste in the mouth and bad breath (halitosis);
• Severe pain during chewing;
• Pus flow;
• Dental mobility in some cases.

Periapical abscess

• Periapical abscess often results from untreated tooth decay. If it is not managed, it progresses to the dental pulp and eventually reaches the nerve. At this stage, the proliferation of bacteria near the root of the tooth can lead to the formation of an abscess;
• A fracture of the tooth;
• A major shock (or trauma) to a tooth. If the pulp is destroyed, the internal tissues of the tooth can become infected.

Periodontal abscess

• Untreated periodontitis;
• Tooth loosening;
• Wisdom tooth included. When it pierces the gum, the erupting wisdom tooth creates a space for the accumulation of food debris and, by extension, the proliferation of bacteria.

An abscess is a severe condition that must be treated as soon as possible. It is recommended to consult a dentist as soon as possible at the first symptoms.

Periapical abscess

• The solution is to perform a root canal treatment. The infection must be eliminated before the procedure by taking prescribed antibiotics. In more severe cases, it may be recommended to remove the affected tooth.

Periodontal abscess

• In acute cases, the abscess is first drained through root planing. Antibiotics can be prescribed to eliminate the infection;
• Periodontal surgery can then be performed by a periodontist to eliminate periodontal pockets, if necessary;
• In the most severe cases, it may be recommended to extract the affected tooth.

Periapical abscess

In case of deep cavities or tooth fractures, bacteria progress to the nerve of the tooth. When it is seriously affected and dies, the infection spreads to the root and causes severe pain, sometimes accompanied by fever. If the problem is not treated quickly, the infection can spread to nearby teeth, and reach the jaw bone. A fistula can also form.

Periodontal abscess

If the abscess is not treated, the infection progresses and can destroy the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. A fistula can also form.

The complications caused by an untreated abscess are very severe and should not be taken lightly. Among the risks involved are:

• A sinus infection;
• The loss of the affected tooth;
• Sepsis (a discharge of bacteria into the blood that can have fatal consequences);
• Endocarditis (an infection of the inner layer of the heart);
• Ludwig’s angina (a serious infection affecting the respiratory tract).

• Inadequate oral hygiene;
• Smoking.

• Maintain good dental hygiene habits, including brushing 2 to 3 times a day, flossing and routine visits for examination and cleaning in a dental office;
• Quit smoking;
• Treat cavities, as well as any condition affecting the gums (gingivitis) and periodontium (periodontitis) as soon as the first symptoms appear.