Dental Benefit – Dental Abscess
What is Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess begins as a tooth infection or cavity and can become a mouth, face, jaw, or throat condition if left untreated. Bacteria from tooth decay can extend into the gums, cheek, and throat, beneath the tongue, or even into the jaw or facial bones. Periodontal abscesses result from an infection that has moved deeper into gum areas, and a periapical abscess refers to a tooth with an infection of the pulp. With a dental abscess, you may notice pus collecting at the infected site. Usually the condition will become more painful until the abscess either ruptures and drains on its own or is drained surgically. Dental abscesses can also make you generally ill, with nausea, vomiting, fevers, chills, and sweats. Anyone who thinks they may have a dental abscess should immediately see a dentist.