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Dental Abscess

One of the causes of toothache is a dental abscess. An abscess is a localised collection of pus – a foul-smelling yellowish fluid made up of a mixture of living and dead white blood cells (leukocytes), enzymes and dead cells.

Bacteria Are the Cause of an Abscess

The inflammation is caused by bacteria that penetrate deep into the tooth through demineralised or cracked enamel or through untreated tooth decay. They then spread through the dental pulp towards the root of the tooth.

In addition to persistent pain, which becomes worse when the tooth is under pressure or when biting, an abscess can also cause increased tooth sensitivity. If the inflammation is left untreated, it may lead to an elevated temperature or fever and can cause swollen and painful lymph nodes.

An untreated abscess can cause necrosis (tissue death) of the mucous membrane, resulting in the formation of a fistula, through which pus may drain spontaneously.

If you suspect that you have a dental abscess, you should always visit your dentist. The gum over the abscess is usually swollen and red. Although an abscess may be visible to the naked eye, the dentist should take an X-ray to assess any damage to the surrounding tissues and determine whether the tooth has already become non-vital.

Treatment of a Dental Abscess

The main treatment involves draining the pus, usually using a drain. The tooth root must then be assessed and the damaged tissue removed. If the tooth is non-vital, endodontic treatment is performed. In some cases, the dentist may also prescribe antibiotics.

Follow-up X-rays are performed approximately one year after treatment to assess healing.