Understanding Dental Abcess: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Dental Abcess

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - Periapical Abscess

General

A dental abscess is a pocket filled with pus at different regions of the tooth. It could be at the tip of the tooth or at the root. It occurs when bacteria enter the dental pulp which is the innermost part of the tooth. Then, an infection occurs which causes swelling and inflammation of the root. Risk factors may include poor dental hygiene, a diet high in sugars and dry mouth. If the abscess ruptures by itself, treatment is still needed to stop the infection from spreading.

40 people with Dental Abcess

Learn from others who are experiencing Dental Abcess.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms include a severe, persisting tooth pain, which may radiate to the ear, neck or jawbone, sensitivity to temperature changes or to pressure, fever, swelling, swollen and tender lymph nodes, a sudden release of fluid in the mouth, which tastes and smells badly.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based upon findings from medical history and physical examination. Further evaluation may include X-ray or a CT-scan.

Treatment

Treatment may include opening up the abscess and draining it, performing a root canal, pulling up the infected tooth and antibiotics.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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