Periodontal Infections

Gingival Abscesses (Why Do Abscesses Occur? How Should They Be Treated? Can a Person Treat an Abscessed Tooth Themselves?)

A gingival abscess is an inflammation in the connective tissue of the gum caused by bacteria entering through any disruption in the gum structure. For example, trauma from brushing or chewing hard foods can break the tissue integrity, allowing highly virulent microorganisms to penetrate the gums. It is a lesion that only affects the gum, usually the size of a pinhead, slightly painful, and slightly raised from the surface.

Initially, it appears red and then turns yellowish. Once it drains, the pain disappears, and it heals easily. In the early stage, it appears as a shiny, smooth, red swelling, and within 1–2 days, purulent fluid accumulates and becomes fluctuant. Most of the time, it drains spontaneously, the area fills with granulation tissue, and healing occurs. Patients are advised to rinse with warm salt water.

How to Distinguish Between Healthy Gums and a Tooth with an Abscess?

Healthy gums should have an orange-peel-like texture and a light pink color. In healthy gums, there are no complaints such as bleeding, inflammation, swelling, or redness. However, in individuals with a gum abscess for any reason, symptoms such as inflammation, swelling, and pain in the gums are present. In more advanced abscesses, minor bleeding and bad breath may also occur.

Typically, individuals with a gum abscess experience pain in the teeth near the abscess.

Sometimes, depending on the size of the abscess, it may rupture and the exudate inside may drain out. Individuals encountering such symptoms should visit a dentist, who will eliminate the cause and provide the necessary treatment.

Are antibiotics used in every periodontal treatment?

In the treatment of periodontal diseases, systemic antibiotics are recommended only in certain cases and for specific patients. If a patient with a periodontal condition experiences pain and the problem can be resolved with antibiotic therapy, antibiotics may be administered. However, in cases where antibiotic use is contraindicated, the patient should avoid taking them.

In some patients, antibiotics alone, without mechanical treatment, may be ineffective because pathogenic microorganisms reside within a well-organized biofilm layer.

Antibiotics can be used before starting mechanical treatment, together with mechanical treatment, or during the maintenance phase after non-surgical periodontal treatment has been completed.