Dental Abscess Questions & Answers

Updated: Jan 22, 2019
  • Author: Jane M Gould, MD, FAAP; Chief Editor: Jeff Burgess, DDS, MSD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is a dentoalveolar abscess?

What is the pathophysiology of dentoalveolar abscess?

What are the developmental and acquired conditions associated with dental abscess?

What is the role of odontogenic infections in the pathophysiology of dental abscess?

How does bacterium gain entry in dental abscess?

Which microflora are associated with dental abscess?

What is the mortality and morbidity of dental abscess?

What are the racial predilections of dental abscess?

How does the prevalence of dental abscess vary by sex?

In which age groups is dental abscess most common?

Presentation

What are the signs and symptoms of dental abscess?

Which physical findings are characteristic of dental abscess in gingiva?

Which physical findings are characteristic of dental abscess in teeth?

Which physical findings suggest severe infections in dental abscess?

What causes dental caries in dental abscess?

Besides dental caries, what causes dental abscess?

DDX

What are the differential diagnoses for Dental Abscess?

Workup

What is the role of lab studies in the evaluation of dental abscess?

What is the role of imaging studies in the evaluation of dental abscess?

What is indicated by cellulitis swelling extending beyond local area in dental abscess?

How is the presence of a dental abscess confirmed?

Which historical finding are characteristic of dental abscess?

Treatment

What is the initial medical care for dental abscess?

What is the role of surgery in the treatment of dental abscess?

Which specialist consultations are needed for the management of dental abscess?

What are dietary restrictions during treatment of dental abscess?

What are activity restrictions during treatment of dental abscess?

Medications

What is the role of antibiotic therapy in the treatment of dental abscess?

Which medications in the drug class Antibiotics are used in the treatment of Dental Abscess?

Follow-up

When should follow-up care be obtained for dental abscess?

When is inpatient care needed for dental abscess?

How are dental abscesses prevented?

How are dental abscesses prevented in fluoride-deficient areas?

What is the role of dental hygiene in the prevention of dental abscess?

What are the complications of dental abscess?

What causes facial space swelling in dental abscess?

What causes necrotizing fasciitis in dental abscess?

What is the prognosis of dental abscess?

What information about dental abscess should patients receive?