A tooth abscess is a sac of pus (infected material) in a tooth or the gums. There are two types of tooth abscesses:
A tooth abscess is caused by bacteria. It begins when bacteria invade and infect a tooth. This results in pus build-up. When the pus is unable to drain, an abscess results.
Conditions that allow bacteria to invade a tooth:
Food or other foreign matter that becomes trapped between the tooth and gum may lead to a bacterial infection in the area around the tooth.
These factors increase your chance of developing a tooth abscess. Tell your dentist if you have any of these risk factors:
If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to a tooth abscess. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your dentist if you have any of these:
If left untreated, complications of tooth abscess include:
Your dentist will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a detailed exam of your teeth and gums.
Your dentist will test the tooth for pain and sensitivity by:
Your dentist will also take an x-ray of the tooth and surrounding bone.
To help reduce your chance of getting a tooth abscess, take the following steps:
RESOURCES:
Academy of General Dentistry
http://www.agd.org/consumer/
American Dental Association
http://www.ada.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Dental Association
http://www.cda-adc.ca/
The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association
http://www.cdha.ca/
References:
Beers MH, Fletcher AJ. The Merck Manual of Medical Information—Home Edition . New York, NY: Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 2000.
Root canal (endodontic) treatment. American Dental Association website. Available at: http://www.ada.org/public/topics/root_canal.asp#overview . Accessed July 2, 2008.
Tooth abscess. US National Library of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001060.htm . Updated August 8, 2007. Accessed July 2, 2008.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Laura Morris-Olson, DMD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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