Gum Abscesses

Periodontal disease is one of the most common reasons for people to need replacement teeth. We at the Oyster Bay Family Dentists offer the most advanced prosthodontic technology for our patients’ dental restorations, but they will also need treatment for gum disease. A particularly worrisome aspect of gum disease is the potential for an abscess, so we want our patients to understand why abscesses matter and how they’re treated.

Pus, a liquid made up of bacteria, acid, and dead tissue, develops as a result of infections. It accumulates in hollow spaces called abscesses, which are opened up by bacterial damage to tissue. In a person with gingivitis, the lesser form of gum disease, an abscess might form near the gum line. This is called a gingival abscess. In a person with more advanced gum disease, called periodontitis, an abscess might form between the gum wall and the root of the tooth. This would be called a periodontal abscess. The recession of gum tissue is what would allow the tooth to come loose, and if the infection is not halted, it could also cause recession of bone tissue. Warning signs of a periodontal abscess include a bad taste in the mouth, soreness, and fever.

If we suspect a patient has an abscess, we’ll conduct x-ray tests to determine its location. We can pierce and drain a gum abscess and remove the dead tissue while a patient is under local anesthetic, but we may also have to deal with infections in the tooth’s pulp or at the tip of its root. After the infected material is removed, we may smooth down the tooth root, which is known as planing, in order to make it easier for hygienists to clean in the future. This will also deprive bacteria of a place to hide in between dental visits.

Drs. Denise VeyVoda and Robert G. West operate The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 123 South Street, Oyster Bay, New York, 11771. To schedule an appointment, call 516-922-5730 or visit Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.