Gingival Abscess

Gingival Abscess

“What is a gingival abscess and how does it form?”

Gingival abscess is a localized, acute inflammatory lesion that may arise from many sources including microbial plaque infection, trauma and foreign body impaction.

Etiology

Due to impaction of foreign objects in previously healthy sites.

“Understanding the role of bacteria in gingival abscess development”

“Importance of studying gingival abscesses for dental professionals”

Gingival Abscess Clinical Features

• Gingival Abscess  is a painful, rapidly expanding lesion usually of sudden onset.
• Gingival Abscess  is limited to marginal gingiva or interdental papilla.
• In early stages, it appears as red swelling with a smooth shiny surface.
• Within 24–48 hours the lesion become fluctuant and pointed with a surface orifice from which purulent exudate may be expressed.
• Adjacent teeth are sensitive to percussion.

“Early warning signs of untreated gingival infections”

Gingival Abscess Treatment

• Treatment is aimed at reversal of acute phase and when applicable immediate removal of cause.
• For procedural comfort topical or local anesthesia is administrated.
• Scaling and root planning is done to establish drainage.

“Pathophysiology of untreated gingival abscesses explained”

• In more acute situations no. 15 blade is used to incise the fluctuant area and exudate is expressed by gentle pressure.
• Area is irrigated with warm water and covered with moist gauze under light pressure.
• As bleeding is stopped patient is dismissed with instructions to rinse with warm salt water every 2 hours for remainder of the day.
• After 24 hours area is reassessed.