A dental abscess arises from a bacterial infection.
Abscess is a concept that comes from the Latin word abscessus . At the same time, we would have to make it clear that this word emanates, etymologically speaking, from the verb abscedere , which is made up of two parts: the prefix abs- , which can be translated as an indicator of separation, and the word cedere , which is equivalent to “ go" .
It is a term used in medicine to name the accumulation of pus that occurs in organic tissues, whether external or internal.
Abscess as infection
The abscess, therefore, is an infection that is characterized by inflammation and swelling . It occurs when an area of tissue becomes infected and the body isolates the infection to prevent it from spreading. White blood cells move toward damaged tissue, accumulating there along with bacteria, fluid, and other materials.
Abscesses can appear in almost any part of the body and be caused by parasites or foreign materials in general. If the abscess is suppurated, specialists speak of apostema .
Some abscesses can be easily visualized, since inflammation is detected in the skin , which turns reddish in color in the area. Other abscesses, on the other hand, cannot be seen with the naked eye, but they cause pain and can even damage vital organs.
Changes in mental status may be a symptom of a brain abscess.
Classification according to type
Among the main types of existing abscesses, these are the most common or significant in this regard:
- Tooth abscess . A bacterial infection, such as a cavity, is what causes the appearance of this abscess, which is the accumulation of pus in the center of a tooth. A severe toothache is another consequence of this problem that can be resolved by taking the corresponding medications as well as even extracting the tooth. It is important to know that other symptoms that indicate this abscess are fever, pain when chewing, bad breath or a constant bitter taste in the mouth.
- Brain abscess . Heart problems or even chronic diseases are some of the factors that make many people more likely to suffer from a problem of this type, also generated by an infection. Changes in mental status, decreased communication or coordination abilities or changes in vision are some of the signs that indicate that you have this abscess, which in the most serious cases requires surgical intervention.
- Perianal abscess . As its name indicates, the accumulation of pus in this case occurs in the anus area and can be due to various causes such as, for example, trauma or serious illnesses.
Prevention and treatment of abscesses
Hygiene is usually the best way to prevent skin and dental abscesses. There are other abscesses, however, whose origin is not so clear and require a medical analysis to determine the steps to follow.
A doctor can take a sample of fluid from the abscess to learn what organisms caused it. Treatment can range from taking antibiotics to surgery .
Lung abscess , for example, involves a cavity of more than two centimeters filled with pus found in the lung area. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics, order a bronchoscopy, or drain the abscess. Liver abscess , for its part, is a formation of pus within the liver or associated with this organ . It can be caused by appendicitis, bacterial endocarditis or another cause.