Dental abscess

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Dental Abscess

A Dental Abscess (pronunciation: /ˈdɛntəl ˈæbsɛs/) is a localized collection of pus associated with a tooth. The abscess can occur at different regions of the tooth for different reasons.

Etymology

The term "Dental Abscess" is derived from the Latin word "abscessus" meaning "a going away," referring to the pus that 'goes away' from the body.

Types

There are three types of dental abscesses:

  1. Periapical abscess: This occurs at the tip of the root of a tooth. It is usually caused by bacterial infection that has accumulated in the soft, often dead, pulp of the tooth.
  2. Periodontal abscess: This occurs in the gums next to a tooth root. The bacteria cause the gums to become inflamed, which can lead to the formation of a periodontal pocket that can trap food and bacteria.
  3. Gingival abscess: This occurs in the gum tissue without affecting the tooth or the periodontal ligament.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a dental abscess typically include pain, swelling, redness in the gums, bad breath, and a bad taste in the mouth. More severe symptoms can include fever and swollen lymph nodes.

Treatment

Treatment for a dental abscess involves draining the abscess and eliminating the infection. This can be done through root canal treatment, periodontal treatment, or extraction of the affected tooth. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to help fight the infection.

Related Terms

  • Endodontics: The branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the tooth's pulp and its surrounding tissues.
  • Periodontics: The branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the supporting and investing structures of the teeth including the gums, cementum, periodontal membranes, and alveolar bone.
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: The branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the human jaws and associated structures.

External links

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