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Dental Abscess

Updated : August 30, 2023





Background

A dental abscess is a painful gum, teeth, or jawbone infection. It is typically caused by bacteria that enter the tooth through a crack or cavity and then spread to the surrounding tissue. There are mainly two types of dental abscesses: periapical abscess and periodontal abscess. A periapical abscess occurs when a tooth’s pulp (nerve) becomes infected, and the infection spreads to the surrounding tissue.

A periodontal abscess occurs when an infection develops between the tooth and gum. Common symptoms of a dental abscess include severe toothache, swelling in the gums or face, fever, and difficulty swallowing or breathing. Left untreated, a dental abscess can lead to severe complications, such as the spread of infection to other parts of the body, bone loss, and tooth loss.

Treatment for a dental abscess typically involves draining the abscess and removing the source of the infection, which may involve a root canal, tooth extraction, or other dental procedures. Antibiotics can be prescribed to help fight the infection. Preventing dental abscesses involves maintaining good oral hygiene practices, regular dental check-ups, and prompt treatment of dental problems.

Epidemiology

A dental abscess is a common oral infection that can lead to pain, swelling, and other serious health complications if left untreated. The epidemiology of dental abscesses varies depending on several factors, including age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Here are some key findings from recent studies on the epidemiology of dental abscesses:

Prevalence: According to a systematic review and meta-analysis in the Journal of Endodontics in 2020, the global prevalence of dental abscess is estimated to be 5.5%, with higher rates reported in low- and middle-income countries.

Age and gender: A study published in the Journal of Dental Research in 2020 found that dental abscess is more common in males than females and that the incidence increases with age. Another study published in the Journal of Endodontics in 2018 reported that dental abscess is most commonly seen in patients between the ages of 20 and 50.

Socioeconomic status: A study published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry in 2020 found that low socioeconomic status is associated with a higher prevalence of dental abscesses. The study also reported that people with dental insurance are less likely to develop a dental abscess.

Anatomy

Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of dental abscess involves several stages, including:

Initial infection: The infection usually starts due to dental caries, periodontal disease, or trauma to the tooth. Bacteria, typically Streptococcus or Staphylococcus species, enter the tooth’s pulp chamber through an opening in the enamel or dentin.

Pulp necrosis: As the infection progresses, the bacteria release toxins that cause inflammation and necrosis of the pulp tissue. The accumulation of pus and dead tissue increases pressure within the tooth, which causes pain and sensitivity.

Spread of infection: The infection can spread from the pulp chamber to the surrounding periodontal tissues and bone, causing further inflammation and tissue destruction.

Abscess formation: An abscess may form as the body tries to contain the infection. The abscess can cause swelling, redness, and pain in the affected area.

Rupture and drainage: In some cases, the abscess may rupture, allowing the pus to drain out of the body. This can provide temporary relief of symptoms, but it does not eliminate the infection. Without proper treatment, the infection can spread and cause serious health complications.

Etiology

A dental abscess is an infection that occurs in the tooth, gums, or surrounding tissues and can have multiple causes. The etiology of dental abscess can be classified into two types:

Endodontic abscess: This type of abscess is caused by an infection within the tooth. Dental caries (tooth decay), trauma to the tooth, or a cracked tooth can create an opening in the enamel or dentin, allowing bacteria to enter the pulp chamber of the tooth. The bacteria multiply and cause inflammation, necrosis of the pulp tissue, and, eventually, abscess formation.

Periodontal abscess: This type of abscess is caused by an infection in the gums or periodontium (supporting tissues of the teeth). The infection usually results from an accumulation of plaque and calculus (hardened plaque) on the teeth, which irritates the gums and causes inflammation. The inflammation can progress to infection, spreading to the surrounding tissues and causing an abscess.

Genetics

Prognostic Factors

The prognosis of a dental abscess depends on several factors, including the infection’s severity, the abscess’s location, and the underlying cause of the infection. Some of the prognostic factors of dental abscess are:

Delay in treatment: Delaying treatment of a dental abscess can lead to the spread of the infection and cause serious complications, such as sepsis, osteomyelitis, or brain abscess.

Type of abscess: The type of abscess can also affect the prognosis. Endodontic abscesses are generally easier to treat than periodontal abscesses, as they are usually located within the tooth and can be drained quickly.

Presence of systemic diseases: Patients with systemic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, or immunodeficiency are at a higher risk of complications from a dental abscess.

Spread of infection: The extent of the infection and its spread to surrounding tissues can also affect the prognosis. If the infection has spread beyond the abscess site, it may require more aggressive treatment, such as surgery or hospitalization.

Patient compliance: Compliance with treatment and good oral hygiene practices can also affect the prognosis of a dental abscess. Patients who comply with treatment and maintain good oral hygiene are more likely to have a successful outcome.

Clinical History

CLINICAL HISTORY

A dental abscess is a painful and potentially serious dental condition when bacteria invade the soft tissue or bone surrounding a tooth. The following is a typical clinical history of a dental abscess:

  • Pain – The first symptom of a dental abscess is often a severe, throbbing pain in the affected tooth or surrounding area. The pain may be constant or intermittent and worsen when chewing or biting the affected tooth.
  • Swelling – As the infection spreads, swelling may occur in the affected area. The swelling may be localized to the tooth or spread to the jaw, face, or neck.
  • Fever – In some cases, a dental abscess may cause a fever or other symptoms of systemic infection, such as chills or fatigue.
  • Tooth sensitivity – The affected tooth may become sensitive to hot or cold temperatures and feel painful or tender to the touch.
  • Bad taste or smell – As the abscess grows, it may cause a foul taste or smell in the mouth.
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing – In rare cases, a dental abscess may become large enough to obstruct the airway or cause difficulty swallowing.
  • Drainage – In some cases, the abscess may rupture, and pus may drain from the affected area. This may temporarily relieve pain and swelling, but it is essential to seek prompt dental treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.

Physical Examination

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

When examining a patient with a suspected, dental abscess, a dentist or dental professional will typically perform a thorough physical examination of the affected area. Here are some common steps that may be taken during a physical examination of a dental abscess:

Visual inspection – The dentist will inspect the affected area, looking for signs of redness, swelling, and tenderness. They may also look for any visible pus or drainage.

Palpation – The dentist may use their fingers to gently press on the affected area, feeling for any lumps or areas of tenderness.

Percussion testing – The dentist may use a dental instrument to tap on the affected tooth, looking for pain or sensitivity.

Radiographic imaging – X-rays or other imaging tests may be ordered to visualize the extent of the abscess and to determine if the infection has spread to surrounding tissues or bone.

Vitality testing – The dentist may perform a test to check the nerve function of the affected tooth, looking for signs of nerve damage or decay.

Age group

Associated comorbidity

Associated activity

Acuity of presentation

Differential Diagnoses

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

  • Periapical abscess: This type of abscess occurs at the root tip of a tooth and is the most common form of dental abscess.
  • Periodontal abscess: This type of abscess occurs in the gums next to the tooth and is caused by an infection.
  • Gingival abscess: This type of abscess occurs on the surface of the gums and is usually caused by a foreign object or injury to the gum tissue.
  • Salivary gland infection can cause swelling and pain in the glands under the jaw and around the mouth.
  • Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues that can cause swelling and pain in the affected area.
  • Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone that can cause swelling, pain, and redness over the affected area.

Laboratory Studies

Imaging Studies

Procedures

Histologic Findings

Staging

Treatment Paradigm

The treatment paradigm for a dental abscess typically involves a combination of managing the symptoms, eliminating the infection, and addressing the underlying cause of the abscess. Here are the general steps that a dentist or oral surgeon might follow:

Pain Management: The first step is to manage the patient’s pain and discomfort. This may include over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen or more potent prescription pain relievers.

Drainage: If the abscess has come to a head and is causing swelling or discomfort, the dentist or oral surgeon may need to drain the abscess to release the pus and relieve the pressure.

Antibiotics: If the infection spreads beyond the abscess and causes systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise, the patient may need to take antibiotics to eliminate the infection.

Root Canal Therapy: This is used when the abscess is caused by a deep cavity or a damaged tooth; the dentist or endodontist can perform root canal therapy to remove the infected part and save the tooth.

by Stage

by Modality

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Radiation Therapy

Surgical Interventions

Hormone Therapy

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Stem Cell Transplant

Targeted Therapy

Palliative Care

Medication

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References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493149/#article-20350.s9

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Dental Abscess

Updated : August 30, 2023




A dental abscess is a painful gum, teeth, or jawbone infection. It is typically caused by bacteria that enter the tooth through a crack or cavity and then spread to the surrounding tissue. There are mainly two types of dental abscesses: periapical abscess and periodontal abscess. A periapical abscess occurs when a tooth’s pulp (nerve) becomes infected, and the infection spreads to the surrounding tissue.

A periodontal abscess occurs when an infection develops between the tooth and gum. Common symptoms of a dental abscess include severe toothache, swelling in the gums or face, fever, and difficulty swallowing or breathing. Left untreated, a dental abscess can lead to severe complications, such as the spread of infection to other parts of the body, bone loss, and tooth loss.

Treatment for a dental abscess typically involves draining the abscess and removing the source of the infection, which may involve a root canal, tooth extraction, or other dental procedures. Antibiotics can be prescribed to help fight the infection. Preventing dental abscesses involves maintaining good oral hygiene practices, regular dental check-ups, and prompt treatment of dental problems.

A dental abscess is a common oral infection that can lead to pain, swelling, and other serious health complications if left untreated. The epidemiology of dental abscesses varies depending on several factors, including age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Here are some key findings from recent studies on the epidemiology of dental abscesses:

Prevalence: According to a systematic review and meta-analysis in the Journal of Endodontics in 2020, the global prevalence of dental abscess is estimated to be 5.5%, with higher rates reported in low- and middle-income countries.

Age and gender: A study published in the Journal of Dental Research in 2020 found that dental abscess is more common in males than females and that the incidence increases with age. Another study published in the Journal of Endodontics in 2018 reported that dental abscess is most commonly seen in patients between the ages of 20 and 50.

Socioeconomic status: A study published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry in 2020 found that low socioeconomic status is associated with a higher prevalence of dental abscesses. The study also reported that people with dental insurance are less likely to develop a dental abscess.

The pathophysiology of dental abscess involves several stages, including:

Initial infection: The infection usually starts due to dental caries, periodontal disease, or trauma to the tooth. Bacteria, typically Streptococcus or Staphylococcus species, enter the tooth’s pulp chamber through an opening in the enamel or dentin.

Pulp necrosis: As the infection progresses, the bacteria release toxins that cause inflammation and necrosis of the pulp tissue. The accumulation of pus and dead tissue increases pressure within the tooth, which causes pain and sensitivity.

Spread of infection: The infection can spread from the pulp chamber to the surrounding periodontal tissues and bone, causing further inflammation and tissue destruction.

Abscess formation: An abscess may form as the body tries to contain the infection. The abscess can cause swelling, redness, and pain in the affected area.

Rupture and drainage: In some cases, the abscess may rupture, allowing the pus to drain out of the body. This can provide temporary relief of symptoms, but it does not eliminate the infection. Without proper treatment, the infection can spread and cause serious health complications.

A dental abscess is an infection that occurs in the tooth, gums, or surrounding tissues and can have multiple causes. The etiology of dental abscess can be classified into two types:

Endodontic abscess: This type of abscess is caused by an infection within the tooth. Dental caries (tooth decay), trauma to the tooth, or a cracked tooth can create an opening in the enamel or dentin, allowing bacteria to enter the pulp chamber of the tooth. The bacteria multiply and cause inflammation, necrosis of the pulp tissue, and, eventually, abscess formation.

Periodontal abscess: This type of abscess is caused by an infection in the gums or periodontium (supporting tissues of the teeth). The infection usually results from an accumulation of plaque and calculus (hardened plaque) on the teeth, which irritates the gums and causes inflammation. The inflammation can progress to infection, spreading to the surrounding tissues and causing an abscess.

The prognosis of a dental abscess depends on several factors, including the infection’s severity, the abscess’s location, and the underlying cause of the infection. Some of the prognostic factors of dental abscess are:

Delay in treatment: Delaying treatment of a dental abscess can lead to the spread of the infection and cause serious complications, such as sepsis, osteomyelitis, or brain abscess.

Type of abscess: The type of abscess can also affect the prognosis. Endodontic abscesses are generally easier to treat than periodontal abscesses, as they are usually located within the tooth and can be drained quickly.

Presence of systemic diseases: Patients with systemic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, or immunodeficiency are at a higher risk of complications from a dental abscess.

Spread of infection: The extent of the infection and its spread to surrounding tissues can also affect the prognosis. If the infection has spread beyond the abscess site, it may require more aggressive treatment, such as surgery or hospitalization.

Patient compliance: Compliance with treatment and good oral hygiene practices can also affect the prognosis of a dental abscess. Patients who comply with treatment and maintain good oral hygiene are more likely to have a successful outcome.

CLINICAL HISTORY

A dental abscess is a painful and potentially serious dental condition when bacteria invade the soft tissue or bone surrounding a tooth. The following is a typical clinical history of a dental abscess:

  • Pain – The first symptom of a dental abscess is often a severe, throbbing pain in the affected tooth or surrounding area. The pain may be constant or intermittent and worsen when chewing or biting the affected tooth.
  • Swelling – As the infection spreads, swelling may occur in the affected area. The swelling may be localized to the tooth or spread to the jaw, face, or neck.
  • Fever – In some cases, a dental abscess may cause a fever or other symptoms of systemic infection, such as chills or fatigue.
  • Tooth sensitivity – The affected tooth may become sensitive to hot or cold temperatures and feel painful or tender to the touch.
  • Bad taste or smell – As the abscess grows, it may cause a foul taste or smell in the mouth.
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing – In rare cases, a dental abscess may become large enough to obstruct the airway or cause difficulty swallowing.
  • Drainage – In some cases, the abscess may rupture, and pus may drain from the affected area. This may temporarily relieve pain and swelling, but it is essential to seek prompt dental treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

When examining a patient with a suspected, dental abscess, a dentist or dental professional will typically perform a thorough physical examination of the affected area. Here are some common steps that may be taken during a physical examination of a dental abscess:

Visual inspection – The dentist will inspect the affected area, looking for signs of redness, swelling, and tenderness. They may also look for any visible pus or drainage.

Palpation – The dentist may use their fingers to gently press on the affected area, feeling for any lumps or areas of tenderness.

Percussion testing – The dentist may use a dental instrument to tap on the affected tooth, looking for pain or sensitivity.

Radiographic imaging – X-rays or other imaging tests may be ordered to visualize the extent of the abscess and to determine if the infection has spread to surrounding tissues or bone.

Vitality testing – The dentist may perform a test to check the nerve function of the affected tooth, looking for signs of nerve damage or decay.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

  • Periapical abscess: This type of abscess occurs at the root tip of a tooth and is the most common form of dental abscess.
  • Periodontal abscess: This type of abscess occurs in the gums next to the tooth and is caused by an infection.
  • Gingival abscess: This type of abscess occurs on the surface of the gums and is usually caused by a foreign object or injury to the gum tissue.
  • Salivary gland infection can cause swelling and pain in the glands under the jaw and around the mouth.
  • Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues that can cause swelling and pain in the affected area.
  • Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone that can cause swelling, pain, and redness over the affected area.

The treatment paradigm for a dental abscess typically involves a combination of managing the symptoms, eliminating the infection, and addressing the underlying cause of the abscess. Here are the general steps that a dentist or oral surgeon might follow:

Pain Management: The first step is to manage the patient’s pain and discomfort. This may include over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen or more potent prescription pain relievers.

Drainage: If the abscess has come to a head and is causing swelling or discomfort, the dentist or oral surgeon may need to drain the abscess to release the pus and relieve the pressure.

Antibiotics: If the infection spreads beyond the abscess and causes systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise, the patient may need to take antibiotics to eliminate the infection.

Root Canal Therapy: This is used when the abscess is caused by a deep cavity or a damaged tooth; the dentist or endodontist can perform root canal therapy to remove the infected part and save the tooth.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493149/#article-20350.s9

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