An abscess is a collection of inflammatory material, deriving from an acute, infective process whose origin is predominantly endo- and/or periodontal. Clinically, it presents as a swelling of varying dimensions, located on the intra-oral and extra-oral levels. An abscess has a fluctuating, hardish-elastic consistency. It can also communicate externally, following the spontaneous creation of a fistulous orifice (cutaneous or mucosal fistula) or it can drain spontaneously via fractured dental crowns or the periodontal groove. Where there is extra-oral swelling, the skin will appear stretched and reddened, hot and shiny. An abscess is particularly painful and it is often associated with lockjaw (owing to the compression of the surrounding tissue).
Treating an abscess involves:
a) the prescription of wide-spectrum antibiotics for at least 7 days, in addition to systemic pain relief and topical antiseptic;
b) the elimination of the infection (canal treatment or tooth extraction) and, in some cases, the draining of the purulent material.
Possible risks associated with the non-resolution of the infection derive from the diffusion of localised diseases to other areas in the body, causing:
- rheumatic diseases (arthritis, chronic polyarthritis);
- uro-genital diseases (nephritis);
- cardiovascular diseases (endocarditis);
- haematic diseases;
- diseases of the eye (retinitis, conjunctivitis).
