Microbiology of Dental Abscesses Flashcards
Dental abscesses spreading across a patients muscles and facial planes may cause what?
Cellulitis or Ludwigs angina
Cellulitis inflammation of connective tissue
Dental abscesses spreading across a patients muscles and facial planes may cause what?
Cellulitis or Ludwigs angina
Cellulitis inflammation of connective tissue
What are some routes of access to the pulp for bacteria?
From the apical foramen
Via the periodontal ligament
Via the bloodstream
The microbial composition of the infected pulp and root canal depends on several factors such as what?
- Route of access of bacteria
- Interactions between bacteria
- Interactions with the host
- Time-related changes (microbial succession)
What are the main bacteria involved with pulpitis?
Obligate anaerobes (most common)
Streptococci
Facultative anaerobes
Obligate anaerobes = strict anaerobes
What are some clinical features of a dentoalveolar abscess?
Rapid onset of pain
Redness/swelling of adjacent tissue TTP/palpation
Tooth mobility
What are some potential routes of drainage for an alveolar abscess?
- Thought root canal or PDL
- Through cancellous (spongey) bone & perforate cortex
- Drainage into oral cavity
- Facial skin through sinus tract
Name some obligate anaerobes that are involved with dentoalveolar abscesses
Prevotella
Porphyromonas
Fusobacterium
What is the managment of dentoalveolar abscesses?
- Draining the pus
- Removing the source of infection
- Prescribing antibiotics (necessary when drainage not established, as abscess can spread)
What are the different classifications for abscesses of the periodontium?
Gingival
Periodontal
Pericoronal
How are Abscesses of the Periodontium formed?
Often formed by occlusion or trauma to orifice of periodontal pocket - resulting in extension of infection from pocket to supporting tissues
orifice = opening
If pyrexia or cellulitis presents in a patient with a periodontium abscess what is the management?
Antibiotic prescription
