Dental abscess Flashcards
State where dental abscess can occur
abscesses can occur either under the tooth or within the bone and supporting gum.
state the two main pathologies of the gum
- Gingivitis
2. Dental abscess
What is gingivitis(Gum Disease)
This is often also referred to as Gum Disease.
When normal oral flora is combined with food, this forms what we call plaque. This is not a problem when patients regularly clean their teeth, as they remove the plaque and it does not form a hard scaly substance.
State when Gum disease becomes a problem?
The problem occurs when patients have poor oral hygiene, so they do not clean their teeth regularly or properly. This results in irritation of the gums, the gums become inflamed and sore and the surface of the tooth starts to break down leading to decay.
State the risk factors for gum problems
- Smoking
- Age- as you get older
- Family History
- Diabetes- due to sugar levels
- Immunocompromised patient
- Malnutrition- incorrect amount of nutrients in diet
Define dental abscess
This is a collection of pus-forming between the teeth spreading to the surrounding tissue
Mention the two types of dental abscess
- Periapical Abscess
2. Periodontal Abscess
Define pre- apical abscess
This type of abscess forms under the tooth and is the most common type of dental abscess seen
Define periodontal abscess
This type of abscess forms within the bone and supporting gum.
Explain how dental abscess is formed
Dental abscesses form when normal oral flora combines with food and drink, particularly those high in carbohydrates.
The bacteria within the plaque will convert the carbohydrates into energy and the acids that are produced will lead to tooth decay.
The bacteria will then spread to the pulp of the tooth causing a dental abscess
Dental conditions such as abscesses rarely revolve on their own and they normally require dental treatment. True or false?
True
It is good practice to refer the patient to a dentist without prescribing an antibiotic, as the drug treatment may work initially however the problem is likely to occur again. True/ false
True
Are antibiotics indicated for the treatment of dental abscesses when there are no signs of infection spreading?
Antibiotics are generally not indicated for otherwise healthy individuals when there no signs of spreading infection.
Antibiotics will be prescribed in the following circumstances
.For people who are systemically unwell or if there are signs of severe infection (e.g. fever, lymphadenopathy, cellulitis, diffuse swelling).
•For high-risk individuals to reduce the risk of complications (e.g. people who are immunocompromised or diabetic or have valvular heart disease).
How should treatment be offered to patient?
Oral treatment because this patient’s infection has spread from the gums into the tissue. Oral treatment would be the best option for this patient.
