What is the difference between periodontal abscess and periapical abscess?

There are two main types of dental abscess: periodontal abscess — where bacteria infect the gums; and • periapical abscess — where bacteria infect the pulp inside of the tooth (and which is overall the most common type).

How do you treat a periapical abscess?

Treatment

1. Open up (incise) and drain the abscess. The dentist will make a small cut into the abscess, allowing the pus to drain out, and then wash the area with salt water (saline).
2. Perform a root canal. This can help eliminate the infection and save your tooth.
3. Pull the affected tooth.
4. Prescribe antibiotics.

How long does it take for a periapical abscess to heal?

The wound created by the abscess can take 1 to 2 weeks to heal completely.

What is periapical granuloma?

Periapical granuloma (plural: granulomas or granulomata) refers to a localized mass-like region of chronic granulation tissue in relation to teeth formed in response to infection. It often results in relation to chronic apical periodontitis.

Is a periodontal abscess an emergency?

Is a Tooth Abscess Considered a Dental Emergency? Tooth abscess is absolutely a dental emergency. If you have a tooth abscess, you need to seek treatment immediately. Left untreated, abscess can lead to infection that spreads through the body causing serious and even life-threatening effects.

Is periapical abscess normal?

The most common type of dental abscess is a periapical abscess, and the second most common is a periodontal abscess. In a periapical abscess, usually the origin is a bacterial infection that has accumulated in the soft, often dead, pulp of the tooth….

What can a periapical abscess lead to?

Depending on the location of the tooth, the infection may spread further into soft tissues (cellulitis), causing swelling in the jaw, into the floor of the mouth, or in the area of the cheeks. Eventually, the tissue may break open, allowing the pus to drain.