Gum Disease Abscess

Gum disease abscess

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease or periodontitis, is a common condition that affects the gum tissue of millions of Americans. If it goes untreated for too long, gum disease can also deteriorate ligaments and bone tissue, often leading to tooth loss and many other health complications.

Gum abscesses are a common symptom of gum disease and can result in significant discomfort. This article will discuss what an abscess is and how it can be treated.

Gum disease abscess

An abscess is a condensed pocket of pus that can form as the body attempts to fight off an infection in the gum tissue. Gum abscesses can present themselves in several ways. The first way is obvious - you develop a bump on the gum tissue that was not there in the past. The second possibility is hidden below the gum line. In this situation, the abscess develops in the soft tissue deeper near the tooth roots. You can’t see this type of abscess, so it would have to be diagnosed by a periodontist.

What causes a gum abscess?

Gum abscesses are caused by an active infection of the gum tissue. Without regular periodontal cleanings, bacteria called plaque and calculus can build up on the surface of the teeth and under the gumline. If this condition isn’t treated, it can lead to an infection. Once an infection takes hold, the body’s immune system reacts and produces more white blood cells. These white blood cells sometimes accumulate and form a pocket of pus that we call an abscess.

What are the symptoms of a gum abscess?

The most common symptoms of gum abscesses include:

• Inflammation or bump on the gum tissue
• Redness around the area of the abscess
• Severe pain in the abscess area
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods/beverages
• Bad breath and an unusual taste in the mouth
• Difficulty chewing

What are the treatment options for a gum abscess?

The treatment for a gum abscess is two-fold. First, the abscess must be drained in order to release the pus and relieve pain. The second step involved treating the underlying infection. Depending on the seriousness of the infection, treatment options may include:

• Antibiotics
• Periodontal cleaning
• Scaling and root planing
• LANAP laser treatment
• Gum disease surgery

We are the gum experts

At Sacramento Periodontics, our team has vast experience treating gum abscesses. We also have successfully treated gum disease for decades.

While developing a gum abscess can be scary and painful, we can help get your gum health back on track. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.