What is a dental abscess_

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection inside the teeth, gums, or the bone that holds the teeth in place. It usually occurs due to untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or a cracked tooth that allows bacteria to enter and infect the area.

There are three main types of dental abscesses:

1. Periapical abscess – occurs at the tip of the root of a tooth, typically caused by deep decay or trauma that affects the tooth pulp.

2. Periodontal abscess – forms in the gums near the root of a tooth, often due to gum disease or injury.

3. Gingival abscess – occurs in the gum tissue without affecting the tooth or periodontal ligament, often resulting from a foreign body like a popcorn kernel stuck in the gums.

Symptoms include:

• Severe, throbbing toothache

• Sensitivity to hot and cold

• Swelling in the face or cheek

• Red, swollen gums

• Fever

• Bad breath or foul taste in the mouth

Treatment typically involves draining the abscess, removing the source of infection (often through root canal or tooth extraction), and prescribing antibiotics. If left untreated, a dental abscess can lead to serious complications like spreading infection or bone loss.

Do you need help writing a full article on this topic?