Q.
i have been to my dentist because the emergency dentist said i had an abscess. My dentist said i didnt but my gum around my bottom right molar is swollen and my neck is a little swollen too. My dentist said he didnt know what it was but to still take the antibiotics i was given. do you have any idea what it could be? Thank you for your time Dr Zurdo and any advice you can give me on my problem.
i have been to my dentist because the emergency dentist said i had an abscess. My dentist said i didnt but my gum around my bottom right molar is swollen and my neck is a little swollen too. My dentist said he didnt know what it was but to still take the antibiotics i was given. do you have any idea what it could be? Thank you for your time Dr Zurdo and any advice you can give me on my problem.
A.
Hi, there are mainly 2 possible causes for “dental” abscesses; a pulp infection (from the inside the tooth) or a gum infection. If a tooth has a deep/large or old filling or crown and gives you symptoms like pain, tenderness when biting, increased mobility, a vitality test can give no response, it’s likely to be “pulp” related and that means you need a root canal treatment. That may be what your GDP has “excluded”. There is also the possibility of a gum abscess where the infection resides around the tooth giving symptoms like you described, however the pulp alive. A course of antibiotics should clear it out in 2-3 weeks but you will need further gum treatment to solve the main cause, the gum disease. These are the most likely causes of oral abscesses. However, other possible diagnoses need to be explored if the infection (swelling, redness, erosions) does not clear after appropriate treatment (antibiotics and dental treatment). My best advice is for you to seek a second opinion urgently. I hope this is helpful.
Hi, there are mainly 2 possible causes for “dental” abscesses; a pulp infection (from the inside the tooth) or a gum infection. If a tooth has a deep/large or old filling or crown and gives you symptoms like pain, tenderness when biting, increased mobility, a vitality test can give no response, it’s likely to be “pulp” related and that means you need a root canal treatment. That may be what your GDP has “excluded”. There is also the possibility of a gum abscess where the infection resides around the tooth giving symptoms like you described, however the pulp alive. A course of antibiotics should clear it out in 2-3 weeks but you will need further gum treatment to solve the main cause, the gum disease. These are the most likely causes of oral abscesses. However, other possible diagnoses need to be explored if the infection (swelling, redness, erosions) does not clear after appropriate treatment (antibiotics and dental treatment). My best advice is for you to seek a second opinion urgently. I hope this is helpful.
Dr Jose Zurdo
Mall Dental Care
Pall Mall, Manchester, M2 4DU
Web: www.malldental.com Tel: 0161 830 7300
