A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in or around a tooth due to a bacterial infection. It typically results from tooth decay, gum disease, or a cracked tooth that allows bacteria to enter the dental pulp (the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels). Once inside, the bacteria multiply and lead to inflammation and pus formation.
There are three main types of dental abscesses:
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Periapical abscess – occurs at the tip of the tooth root, usually caused by untreated cavities or trauma.
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Periodontal abscess – forms in the gums next to a tooth root, often resulting from gum disease.
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Gingival abscess – involves the gum tissue only and is typically caused by foreign objects like food particles.
Symptoms may include severe toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling in the face or jaw, fever, foul taste in the mouth, and swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, a dental abscess can lead to serious complications, including the spread of infection to other parts of the body.
Prompt treatment by a dentist—often involving drainage, antibiotics, and possibly a root canal or tooth extraction—is essential. Would you like an article written on this topic?
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