Periodontal Abscess

Serving Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale, Arizona

If you are suffering from a toothache, it is possible that you have a dental cavity, but many patients are unaware that they are equally in danger of a periodontal abscess. Periodontics is the care and treatment of the gums and bone that the gums protect. If your gums are in poor condition and are not treated, you may develop periodontal disease, or gum disease, which can lead to a periodontal abscess.

What is a Periodontal Abscess?

An abscess is a pocket filled with bacteria and puss which can form under the gum tissue either between the gums and the root of your tooth or your jaw bone. Sometimes an abscess can form between your tooth’s root and the jaw bone tissue. Periodontal abscesses are often painful and many times require surgery once they have developed.

Periodontal abscesses do not form overnight, but rather develop as a result of neglected or unhealthy gums which develop gum disease that goes untreated. If caught early enough, gum disease can be prevented, keeping abscesses from having a chance to form.

Symptoms of Periodontal Abscess

The symptoms of periodontal abscess are similar to gum disease, but may be more severe and include:

• Pain at base of teeth or in gums
• Food stuck between teeth
• Bad taste or bad breath
• Bleeding gums and infectious drainage
• Heavy plaque and tartar
• Gum inflammation and discoloration
• Sore or loose teeth

Why is a Periodontal Abscess Dangerous?

Periodontal abscesses and gum disease endanger more than your gums. They can be the cause of tooth loss, gum recession, and damaged jaw bone tissue. But more importantly, a periodontal abscess or gum disease that is allowed to progress or is left untreated for very long can complicate or worsen systemic problems, such as:

• Heart and blood vessel disease
• Respiratory problems
• Swallowing complications
• Infection and fever including Septicemia

Periodontal abscesses in children can be very severe and may not be easily diagnosed. If your child is suffering from a toothache or gum tenderness, you should schedule a dental appointment immediately.

Treatment for Periodontal Abscesses

There are several types of treatment for periodontal abscesses and gum disease. They may include:

• Deep cleaning under the gum line
• Laser treatments to remove unhealthy gum tissue and plaque
• Periodontal surgery

The longer you wait to have periodontal abscesses treated, the more invasive type of treatment is likely to be required.

If you are suffering from tender gums or believe you may have a periodontal abscess, please contact experienced cosmetic dentists Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro today, serving patients throughout Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa, Arizona.