Dental Abscess Health Article

Health care team roles

The role of the dentist is vital in combating the infection of a dental abscess. The patient needs to be educated that abscesses and infections of the mouth do not subside on their own without recurrence. An endodontist should be consulted if a periapical abscess needs to be treated. A periodontist should be consulted if an existing condition of periodontitis is being treated. Each type of dentist needs to have a good working relationship with the patient.

The dental hygienist can complete the scaling and root planing of the abscessed area in the dental office or the periodontist's office. Dental assistants can aid in taking x rays of the area needing treatment and in sterilization of the instruments. The front desk is the first to greet a patient and the last to see a patient leave. Having a warm and courteous front office is vital to any dental office where treating disease, emergencies, and healing of patients is accomplished. All roles are important to the successful functioning of the health care team and good patient care.

Prevention

Dental abscesses can be prevented with regular dental care, including daily brushing and flossing, and regular dental check ups and cleaning. Wearing mouth guards during sports is one of the best ways to prevent an injury and trauma to the mouth.

KEY TERMS

Acute—Extremely sharp or severe, reaching a crisis rapidly.

Apex—The point at the end of the root of a tooth in the gum tissue.

Bifurcation—The area where the roots of the teeth separate into individual roots.

Calculus—Calcium deposits on teeth from the build up of plaque.

Chronic—Of long duration or frequent recurrence.

Cuspids—The teeth that are considered the cornerstone teeth of the mouth on the upper and lower jaws. More commonly known as the "eye" teeth.

Dental caries—Dental decay.

Edematous (edema)—An abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the tissue.

Endodontist—A dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the inside structures of the tooth.

Extraction—Surgical removal of a tooth.

Incisors—The teeth on the upper jaw right and left sides that sit next to the central front teeth.

Mandibular—Relating to the lower jaw region.

Maxillary—Relating to the upper jaw region.

Necrotic, necrosis—Pathologic death of tissue.

Periodontal—Tissue and structures that surround and support the teeth.

Periodontist—A dentist with specialized training for periodontal treatment and care.

Pulpitis—Inflammation of the pulp of a tooth involving the blood vessels and nerves.

Root canal—The space within a tooth that runs from the pulp chamber to the tip of the root.

Root canal therapy—The process of removing diseased or damaged pulp from a tooth, then filling and sealing the pulp chamber and root canals.

Root planing—Making the tooth smooth by removing built up calculus and tartar from below the gum tissue.

Scaling—The removal of food and debris from the portion of the tooth above the gum line.

Prosthodontist—A dentist with specialized training in crown and bridge treatment.

BOOKS

Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics, 2000.

PERIODICALS

Meng, Huan X. "Periodontal Abscess." Journal for Periodontology 4 (December 1999): 79-82.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Academy of Periodontology, 4157 Mountain Road, PBN 249, Pasadena, MD 21122. (410) 437-3749. <http://www.perio.org>.

American Dental Association (ADA), 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. (312) 440-2500. <http://www.ada.org>.

American Institute for Preventive Medicine, 1431 Saratoga Ave. Suite C-9, Morgantown, VW 26505. (304) 599-6981. <www.peiapathways.com>.

UCLA School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave. Box 951668, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1608. (310) 825-2337. <www.dent.ucla.edu>.

OTHER

Marais, J.T. "What Is a Dental Abscess?" Electronic Doctor, December 1999. <www.edoc.co.za/dhw/faq/abscess.html>.

"Oral Health Topic: Abscess." ADA.org, January 2, 2001. <www.ada.org/public/topics/abscess.html>.

"Periodontal Abscess." UCLA Dental School, 2001. <www.dent.ucla.edu.81/pic/courses/antibiotics/abscess/>.

Cindy F. Ovard, RDA