An abscess is an emergency, marked by swelling and pain in a particular area of the face and affecting the general condition of the body. If you suspect an abscess of dental origin, seek dental help immediately.
Why is an abscess serious?
An abscess of dental origin is a serious disease because the collection of pus can spread through the tissues, and vital organs such as the brain, the eyes and the mediastinum (the area between the lungs where the trachea, the oesophagus and the heart are located) are close by.
In severe, untreated abscesses, the pus collected in the tissues around the lower jaw can travel downwards to the mediastinum and cause mediastinitis. This is a life-threatening complication and requires hospital treatment. That is why timely diagnosis and treatment are so important.
Why does anaesthetic work poorly?
An abscess is an extremely painful condition. Because of the acidic environment created by the pus, relieving the pain with anaesthetic is difficult and incomplete.
How is an abscess treated?
The main treatment is to drain the pus that has collected in the tissues and to act on the bacteria that cause the inflammation. This is done differently for endodontic and periodontal abscesses.
- Treatment of an endodontic abscess – an endodontic abscess is a localised collection of pus.
- Treatment of a periodontal abscess – a periodontal abscess differs from an endodontic abscess.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I suspect a dental abscess?
Seek dental help immediately. An abscess is an emergency, and timely diagnosis and treatment are very important.
Why is an abscess dangerous?
The collection of pus can spread through the tissues, and vital organs such as the brain and the eyes are close by. In severe, untreated abscesses, the pus around the lower jaw can travel downwards to the mediastinum and cause mediastinitis – a life-threatening complication that requires hospital treatment.
Why does anaesthetic work poorly in an abscess?
Because of the acidic environment created by the pus, relieving the pain with anaesthetic is difficult and incomplete.
How is an abscess treated?
The main treatment is to drain the pus that has collected in the tissues and to act on the bacteria that cause the inflammation. This is done differently for endodontic and periodontal abscesses.