A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms due to a bacterial infection. Dental abscesses are divided into three types based on where they’re located.
All abscesses can cause similar symptoms, and each requires professional dental care to eliminate the infection, relieve pain, and prevent serious complications.
At Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC, our team specializes in treating deep infections like a dental abscess using advanced treatments to eradicate germs and promote healing. Here, learn about the three primary types of dental abscesses, what symptoms they can cause, and how they’re treated.
The word “gingiva” refers to gum tissue, and a gingival abscess is an abscess that forms solely within your gums. This type of abscess can develop from poor oral hygiene, embedded food or objects between your gums and teeth, or trauma to the gum tissue.
A gingival abscess causes symptoms like:
When a lump appears, it might look deep red or have a whitish or yellowish appearance due to pus trapped just below the gum surface.
Treatment usually involves draining the abscess to release pus and other debris, followed by antibiotics to eradicate germs and prevent any infection from spreading. If the abscess is related to gum disease or inadequate oral hygiene, we may suggest follow-up care to prevent an infection from recurring.
Periodontal means “around the tooth,” and a periodontal abscess is an infection that involves the tissues and structures that surround and support your teeth. That includes the gums, deeper gum tissue, and the bone that supports and secures the tooth.
This type of abscess is usually associated with advanced gum disease, occurring when bacteria invade local tissues and cause deeper infections and isolated pockets of pus.
A periodontal abscess can cause considerable pain when biting or chewing, swelling, and chronic bad breath. In addition to treating existing gum disease, a periodontal abscess may require draining the abscess and treating the surrounding tissue with antibiotics. An abscess inside the tooth may require root canal therapy to remove diseased tissue and prevent tooth loss.
A periapical abscess is an infection that forms around the apex or tip of the tooth root. These abscesses often form with untreated cavities, delayed root canal procedures, or root canal infections. If not promptly treated, a crack or chip in your tooth can lead to a periapical abscess.
This type of abscess is associated with severe tooth pain, gum swelling, and increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. Periapical abscesses typically require root canal therapy or apicoectomy, a procedure to treat decay and damage at and around the root tip. Antibiotics help destroy remaining germs.
Without prompt treatment, the germs that cause a dental abscess can spread to other parts of your body via your bloodstream, increasing your risk of heart disease and other serious health problems. If you have tooth pain or any other unusual symptoms, don’t delay care. Call 929-229-0255 or book an appointment online at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC in New York City today.
