Abscesses are infections in your tooth or gums. Anyone can develop them. However, people with poor oral hygiene are the main victims. The basis of periapical abscess vs. periodontal abscess is the location. The periapical abscess forms inside your tooth, while periodontal abscesses form inside your gums.
What Is a Tooth Abscess?
When a bacterial infection causes a pocket of pus near a tooth, it’s known as a tooth abscess or dental abscess. However, your doctor or dentist might use more specific terms if you listen closely. This is because there are different kinds of tooth abscesses, each with its own symptoms and treatments.
Types of Dental Abscesses
The types of dental abscesses include:
- Gingival Abscess
Gingival abscesses affect only the gum tissue. These infections in the gums can be painful and should not be ignored. They usually happen when food or foreign objects get stuck in the gum tissue. Rough brushing, injury, or bleeding under the gums can also cause them.
- Periapical Abscess
Periapical abscesses are the most common type of tooth abscesses and involve the teeth themselves. They form at the roots of teeth when bacteria infect the inner tissue due to damage like decay, cracks, or chips in the enamel. If untreated, the infection can spread down the tooth and lead to a pocket of pus at the root, causing a periapical abscess.
- Periodontal Abscess
Periodontal abscesses, also known as gum infections, occur when infected pockets of gum tissue form alongside the roots of teeth. They typically result from injuries or gum disease. These abscesses provide a place for harmful bacteria to hide, posing a risk to oral health.
Difference Between Periapical Abscess and Periodontal Abscess
A periodontal abscess is related to gum issues, while a periapical abscess is related to problems within the tooth. This means a periodontal abscess needs gum treatment, while a periapical abscess needs treatment for the tooth itself. Some other differences include:
- Source of Infection
The difference between these conditions lies in where the infection starts. A periodontal abscess starts from the periodontium, which includes the gums, PDL fibers, cementum, and alveolar bone. That’s why it’s called “periodontal.”
A periapical abscess begins inside the tooth, often near the nerve and around the root tip. Its name comes from “peri” (around) and “apical” (root apex).
- Type of Treatment
Because a periodontal abscess involves the gums and surrounding structures, it needs periodontal treatment. Such as:
- Scaling and Root Planing: This deep cleaning clears plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the root surface.
- Gingival Curettage: Cleaning of the gums to remove infection.
- Incision and Drainage: If swelling persists, a small cut in the gum may be needed to drain the pus.
- Antibiotics: Pills and mouthwash to fight the infection.
Since a periapical abscess affects the tooth’s interior, it requires endodontic treatment. These include:
- Root Canal: Removes the infected nerve to clear the abscess.
- Incision and Drainage: If swelling continues, an incision can drain it.
- Antibiotics: Depending on the severity, antibiotics treat widespread swelling.
Wrapping Up
Regardless of the basis for periapical abscess vs periodontal abscess, treatment is required for both. Delaying the treatment can increase the problem and destroy your oral health.
Visit our oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Katy Cypress Oral Surgery. Whatever the cause behind your dental problem, our seasoned professionals can restore your oral health to the maximum. Dial (281) 667-0607 for an appointment.