Periapical Abscess

When a group of pus builds on a tip of a tooth’s root periapical abscess begins to appear. It causes infection and in severe cases forms a bump on the gums.

Mostly periapical abscess is a result of bacterial infection, a gathering of white blood cells, and lifeless tissues. Swelling develops in the root tip of the teeth and it can spread to the neck. Mostly swells because it gets pressure while chewing and biting solid food. In extremely acute cases, the infection spreads in the jaw, cheeks, ear, and beneath the tongue. In periapical abscess bacteria first attacks the soft and inner region of the tooth named as pulp and then causes tooth nerve pain. Infection if not treated on time, gradually increases and can be very dangerous for life. To reduce the abscess one should quit eating crunchy solid foods, should go for soft foods, and opt for proper flossing and brushing twice or thrice in a day

Symptoms

What Are The Symptoms Of Periapical Abscess?

• Facial Swelling
• Redness in the mouth
• Tooth Pain while sleeping
• Faded and pale teeth
• Weird mouth taste
• Restlessness
• Teeth detachment
• Fever
• Pulpitis progress

Causes

Home Remedies To Treat Periapical Abscess

• Gargle with some salt and lukewarm water twice in a day.
• Swish the mixture for at least 1-2 minutes in the mouth and then spit it.
• Take a few drops of clove oil and apply it to the infected area of teeth, keep it for 5-10 mins, and then with the help of water spit it.
• Put a piece of ice in the napkin or in a cloth and give a light massage in a circular motion to the infected area.
• Drink warm chamomile tea, it reduces swelling of the tooth.
• Make a paste of garlic and add some 1-2 drops of vanilla extract in it and mix it well and directly apply it.
• Add 3-4 drops of water in baking powder and make a lump less paste apply it to the infected tooth/teeth.
• Keep rotating these things daily and you will see a good impact of home remedies, as they are tried and tested.

Treatment Of Periapical Abscess

If home remedies don’t work, urgently talk to your doctor and fix an appointment. On the basis of the abscess severity and symptoms, the dentist will do any one of the below-mentioned treatments.

• Draining process – In this doctor will give you local anesthesia to numb the mouth region and then tiny cut exactly on the abscess to take out the damaged pus. Saltwater, floss, or interdental cleaner are used to extract the dirt from the root.
• Root canal treatment – Dentist uses dental drill or handpiece to take out harmed tissues and pulp. A root filling is then inserted to seal the gap.
• Tooth pulling – Dentist will pull out the tooth/teeth if it is uncontrollably damaged and then will begin draining process 

If the abscess extends in different areas after the surgery then antibiotics should be taken as prescribed by your oral surgeon. Medicines like ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen(tylenol), and naproxen are some of the recommended pain relievers.

 Complications Of Periapical Abscess

1. Cavernous sinus thrombosis
2. Trouble in swallowing food.Osteomyelitis
3. Ludwig’s angina
4. Sinus infection

FAQ

1. How long does it take for antibiotics to reduce the swelling from a tooth infection?

The signs of periapical abscess start vanishing after taking 2-3 doses of antibiotics but it takes 6-10 days for complete results.

2. How do you know if a tooth infection has spread?

One observes symptoms like fever and facial swelling when the infection spreads.

3. What are the signs of periapical infection after a root canal?

One can observe swelling in the neck and throat and tenderness.

4. What’s the difference between periodontal abscess and periapical abscess?