Periapical Abscess: What Causes It and How to Treat It

What is it?

A periapical abscess is a pocket of pus that forms at the tip of a tooth root when a tooth infection spreads. You will most likely feel intense, constant, throbbing pain around the infected tooth. Biting or chewing will probably make it feel worse, and you might have swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums.

What causes it?

Usually, it's caused by tooth decay, a dead tooth pulp, an injury to the tooth, or a root canal that didn't work.

What's the goal of treatment?

The goals are simple: ease the pain, get rid of the infection, try to save the tooth if we can, and stop the infection from spreading with a successful root canal.

What to do first?

First, the abscess needs to be drained. This can be done through the tooth itself during a root canal or by cutting into the swollen tissue to let the pus escape. Pain can be managed with medicine. Antibiotics are only needed if you have other symptoms or the infection is spreading, and you will need a doctor’s prescription for that.

Definitive Treatment

If the tooth can be saved, a root canal is the way to go. This means removing the dead pulp, cleaning and sealing the root canals, and then fixing the tooth like normal. If the tooth is too far gone, it will need to be pulled. After removing the tooth, you continually need to watch to ensure there is no spread of infection, and that it is getting better. After that a dental implant can be made.

What happens next?

You should re visit the doctor within 2 days so the dentist can ensure you are getting better. Even if the pain is gone, you might still need a root canal or to have the tooth pulled. Once everything is healed, another X-ray should be taken to ensure the infection is completely gone.

Supportive Procedures

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water a few times a day, eat soft foods, and keep your mouth clean. Try not to chew on the side of your mouth where the problem tooth is until it heals.

At Retaj Medical Center in Abu Dhabi, we believe in providing the top dental care. We take the time to examine you thoroughly and choose the best and safest treatment option for your teeth.

Dr. Yaman Seirawan (Endodontic Specialist).