periodontal abscess and furcations

Question 1

what is the definition of an abscess?

Answer 1

localised collection of pus in a cavity formed by the disintegration of tissues

Question 2

what is cellulitis?

Answer 2

an abscess that only inolves soft tissue

Question 3

what is the pathology of the periodontal abscess?

Answer 3

• bacterial invasion of the soft tissues around the periodontal pocket
• inflammatory process
• encapsulation of bacterial infection and production of pus
• drainage most likely to take place through periodontal pocket
  
  • path of least resistance
• iatrogenic - foreign bodies such as calculus and food debris may be pushed into gingival tissues during debridement and cause abscess formation

Question 4

what are the symptoms of a periodontal abscess?

Answer 4

• pain
• tenderness of gingiva
• swelling ovoid elevation in the gingiva along the lateral part of the root or tooth ‘elevation
• suppuration on probing or sampling
• deep periodontal pocket - 7.3mm-9.3mm
• bleeding on probing 100%
• increased tooth mobility
• bone loss normally seen
• extraoral findings (uncommon)
  
  • facial swelling
  • elevated body temperature
  • malaise
  • regional lymphadenopathy
  • increased blood leukocytes