What Causes a Periodontal Abscess?

untreated gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis is the most common cause of periodontal abscess. Other contributing factors could be:

• Poor dental care
• Plaque and tartar build-up
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Weakened immune system
• Diabetes or any other systemic health Disease

Symptoms of a Periodontal Abscess

It often starts with an acute onset of painful and swollen gums associated with bleeding. Gums between the teeth are punched out and become sores (ulcers). Sometimes, patients may complain of painful Chewing and swallowing. The lymph nodes under the jaw can be swollen, and there can be a strange taste in the mouth.

Less frequently, the following symptoms may be noted:

• Low-grade fever
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Increase saliva

How is a Periodontal Abscess Diagnosed?

Assessment of Symptoms: your dentist will review your medical history and the history of your symptoms. experiencing pain, swelling, or fever helps confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the abscess.

Clinical Examination: your dentist will visually inspect the affected area, looking for signs of swelling, redness, and inflammation of the gums, and assess your overall oral health.

Probing of Periodontal Pockets: your dentist will measure the depth of the periodontal pockets around the affected tooth using a dental probe. Deep pockets are indicative of periodontal disease and may suggest the presence of an abscess.

Dental X-rays: in some cases, dental X-rays may be necessary to assess the extent of the infection and determine if there is any bone loss around the affected tooth. X-rays can also help identify other dental issues that may be contributing to the abscess.

Treatment of Periodontal Abscess

draining the pus and eliminating the underlying infection is the initial phase of periodontal abscess treatment. A small incision in the gum tissue drains the pus and relieves pressure. After that, a professional dental cleaning, scaling and root planing will be performed to remove dental plaque and calculus above and below the gum line. You will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment to evaluate the healing process and reinforce oral hygiene instructions. 

The most important aspect of management of periodontal abscess is addressing the risk factors that can contribute to the disease process. These risk factors include poor oral hygiene, smoking, and diabetes. Antibiotics may be recommended in some cases.

Is it Possible to Prevent Periodontal Abscesses?

Recommendations to have healthy gum are:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day
• Regular flossing
• Regular check-ups and cleanings
• Quitting smoking
• Eating a healthy diet
• Taking care of underlying health disorders 

Are There Any Complications Associated with Untreated Periodontal Abscesses?

Untreated periodontal abscesses carry a significant risk of:

• Tooth loss
• Periodontal diseases
• Cardiovascular issues
• Spread of the infection to surrounding tissues

To avoid these complications, receiving gum treatment on time and maintaining good oral hygiene should be top priorities. If you have more questions about management of periodontal abscess, please call us to book an appointment. We will provide advice, and answer any of your queries. Contact us at (215) 996-7030 or schedule an appointment on our website.