A tooth abscess is either a key infection from the beginning of the tooth or a tooth around the gum. If the abscess is from the tooth itself, it will originate from a cavity that grows slowly and eventually reaches the endothelium (center of the tooth) where the nerves and blood vessels are located. If the infection is from the gums, abscesses are associated with advanced gum disease. The disease is mainly tartar and plaque, which can irritate the gums and cause the gums to swell.
This infection can be very uncomfortable, painful, and cause serious problems to people's health. The treatment of tooth decay depends on the severity of the infection and whether it comes from gums or teeth:
In most cases, if the abscess is large, antibiotics are needed before any treatment is performed. Antibiotics do not cure the infection; they reduce adequate swelling and pain reduction, and appropriate treatment.
If the abscess is from a tooth, root canal cleaning should be performed on the tooth to remove all internal infections and seal the root canal of the tooth. Finally placing a crown allows proper treatment.
If the abscess is from the gums, not the teeth, drainage and curettage may be required.
