Symptoms, development, and treatment of a purulent tooth
When do we say that a tooth is purulent?
We are refering of a purulent tooth when some form of abscess develops around it. A tooth abscess encompasses any acute inflammatory condition that develops in a certain delineated area and is accompanied by the formation of pus. Every purulent tooth develops on the basis of symptom-free, chronic inflammation, with the activation of this inflammation initiating the acute phase of inflammation. This may be triggered by temporary weakening of the immune system, stress, hormonal changes, or other factors.
Symptoms and development of a purulent tooth
An abscess can develop in the tissues surrounding the tooth (periodontal abscess), but it can also form at the apex of the root within the jawbone (periapical abscess). In more complex cases, these two acute processes may develop simultaneously or assist each other (endo-periodontal abscess). Acute inflammations that become localized in our bodies can progress to the stage of abscess formation when white blood cells appear and pus is present. At this point, inflammation becomes particularly evident, manifesting with intense symptoms: pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the inflamed area. During this phase, the intense pressure prompts the pus to attempt spontaneous drainage. If successful in finding its "path," it will emerge somewhere with a fistula onto the surface. The greater danger arises when this "path" does not develop towards the surface, towards the external world or the oral cavity, but rather penetrates among the internal tissues reaching the upper part of the chest through the neck (phlegmon). This condition poses a very serious risk to the patient, and the immediate extraction of the purulent tooth requires urgent medical assistance!
One of the complications of a purulent tooth includes hair loss, which often can be traced back to dental origins and may be discovered during focus investigations.
Treatment of a purulent tooth
There are several methods for treating a purulent tooth, and the choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause of the abscess formation. In cases where it develops due to pulpitis, root canal treatment may be necessary. If the inflammation is activated due to gum recession, periodontal treatment (necessity of treatment of gum disease) may be required. Sometimes, a combination of both types of treatment is necessary (endo-periodontal process). For advanced, irreparable teeth, extraction (tooth removal) of the purulent tooth is the therapy of choice. This step helps prevent complications associated with a purulent tooth.
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