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Dental abscess MENU

Last reviewed: Last updated:
February 2018 April 2017

Summary
The clinical spectrum of dental abscess ranges from
minor well-localized infection to severe life-threatening
complications involving multifascial spaces....
READ MORE Differentials
• Sinusitis
Definition
• Sialadenitis
A dental abscess is the final product of an inflammatory
process, a suppurative collection associated with the • Mumps
Full details
structures surrounding the teeth. It is a type of
odontogenic infection (i.e., an infection that originates

D
Patient leaflets
within a tooth). An abscess may remain localized
(damaging only the adjacent tissues) or it may develop Dental abscess:
what is it?

D
into a diffuse cellulitis, which can lead to the development
of potentially life-threatening systemic complications. The Dental abscess:
vast majority of otherwise healthy patients have localized what treatments
infections which can be managed on an outpatient basis. work?

F
The most common types of dental abscess are Full details
periapical, periodontal, and pericoronal. Other less
common types include gingival or combined periodontal- View PDF
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endodontic. This topic primarily the most
common types of dental abscess. Log in Help

History and exam

Key diagnostic Other Risk factors

factors diagnostic • poor oral
• dental factors hygiene
pain/toothache • dental
• halitosis/bad
• thermal caries
taste in
sensitivity of mouth • periodontal
teeth disease
• xerostomia
• fever • partially
• neurologic
• intraoral erupted or
signs
and/or impacted
Full details
extraoral tooth
edema Full details
Full details

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Diagnostic investigations Got it!
Find out more here.
 FEEDBACK
1st Investigations Emerging
investigations to consider tests
to order • periapical x- • C-terminal
• CBC with ray cross-
differential • CT head and linking
neck (with telopeptide
• panoramic x-
contrast) (CTX)
ray
• infection site Full details
Full details
aspiration
Gram
stain/culture
and
sensitivity
• CRP
Full details

Treatment algorithm
ACUTE

high risk
ONGOING

low risk

Contributors
Authors VIEW ALL

 Melanie S. Lang, DDS, MD

 Thomas B. Dodson, DMD, MPH

Peer reviewers VIEW ALL


 Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD

 Kamran Ali, FDSRCS (Eng)

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