Jaw abscess is a dangerous inflammatory disease

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The development of an abscess in the oral cavity is associated with infection entering the pulp and its further spread throughout its entire structure. An inflammatory process begins, leading to tissue swelling and accumulation of purulent deposits. If the infection is not stopped and timely treatment is not started, then it will penetrate through the dental canals into other organs of the body, causing various diseases.

What is an oral abscess?

An oral abscess is an acute inflammatory disease characterized by the formation and accumulation of pus in the tissues of the gums, tongue or cheeks. The abscess is accompanied by local swelling and hardening of soft tissues, severe pain on palpation, fever and general weakness. The disease is diagnosed by a dentist after a visual examination of the tissue, after which immediate surgical intervention is required: opening the abscess, followed by cleaning and taking anti-inflammatory drugs.

Oral abscess is one of the most common complications in the practice of dental surgery. It can be observed in patients of different ages. Untimely treatment can lead to the transition of inflammation to the chronic stage. Against this background, sepsis and phlegmon can develop. That is why, if the slightest symptoms of an abscess occur, you should immediately visit a dentist.

Clinical picture of the disease

In the initial stages, abscesses and phlegmons adjacent to the lower jaw are manifested by compaction and progressive swelling of the soft tissues of the face. The skin over the purulent focus is often hyperemic. The key symptom of suppuration is fluctuation - the feeling of fluid in a confined space.

The course of phlegmon is accompanied by general intoxication, in which the patient presents the following complaints:

malaise and feeling of chronic fatigue; increase in body temperature; fatigue and joint pain.

Abscesses, as a rule, do not cause such symptoms due to the limited nature of the pathological process.

Abscess, phlegmon of the maxillofacial area in children is characterized by an acute and severe course of the disease. Diffuse purulent lesions of soft tissues are formed as a result of the imperfection of the children's immune system.

Types of abscess by location

An abscess is classified based on the location of the inflammation. The following types of pathology are distinguished:

Gum abscess The most common type, inflammation forms near a specific tooth. If left untreated, an abscess can provoke: leakage of pus from the formed fistula, putrid odor from the mouth and intoxication of the body. Abscess of the floor of the mouth Forms under the tongue, which causes severe pain and discomfort during communication or eating. When the abscess spontaneously opens, the infected fluid pours into the oral cavity and can provoke a new outbreak in the pharynx and neck. Abscess of the palate Occurs against the background of uncured or previous periodontitis of the teeth of the upper jaw. In the future, inflammation can spread to the peritonsillar region and other tissues of the palate, leading to osteomyelitis of the palatal plate. Cheek abscess The depth of damage to this area of ​​the mucosa determines the localization of inflammation, which can sit inside the cheek or extend to the outer surface. Such abscesses are extremely dangerous, because the infection can affect nearby facial organs and tissues. Tongue Abscess Obvious signs include a swollen tongue, pain during meals, and difficulty communicating and breathing. This type of abscess, according to doctors, is the most dangerous and requires immediate treatment.

Diagnosis of the disease

Establishing a diagnosis for acute odontogenic infections includes the following measures:

Collection of medical history. The doctor finds out the patient’s complaints and the general condition of the patient. External examination of the maxillofacial area and palpation of regional lymph nodes. Most inflammatory and purulent processes cause enlargement and pain of the lymph nodes. Instrumental examination of the oral cavity, during which the doctor detects chronic foci of odontogenic infection. X-ray in frontal and lateral projection. Laboratory blood test, in which there is an increase in SOE, leukocytes and a decrease in the concentration of red blood cells and hemoglobin.

Causes of development of abscess in the oral cavity

An abscess in the oral cavity occurs as a complication of advanced periodontal disease and periodontitis. These diseases are characterized by damage to the teeth and gums with the subsequent formation of pockets in the periodontium. They accumulate pathogenic microorganisms that provoke inflammation. Among other things, an abscess can occur due to infection in a damaged area of ​​soft tissue (trauma, syringe needle, instrument). The cause of the disease is often staphylococcal and streptococcal sore throats, as well as boils on the face.

Inflammation in the oral cavity also appears as a complication after suffering from influenza or ARVI, which weaken the immune system, as a result of which the body is not able to fight infection.

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Symptoms of gum abscess

Gingival abscess manifests itself in two types of symptoms: local and general clinical. Local symptoms are caused by reactive manifestations in the area of ​​inflammation. The appearance of general symptoms is associated with intoxication of the body. The main symptomatic manifestations of the disease:

The leading symptom of an abscess is pain. It can be fixed only at the point of inflammation, but more often the discomfort radiates to the head, auricle, eye socket, neck, and neighboring segments. Soreness has different intensity, character (sharp, shooting, dull), occurs periodically in response to stress factors, or is constantly present.

Symptoms

The abscess is characterized by rapid development. At first, the patient may be bothered only by minor attacks of pain, similar to the sensations that arise during caries or periodontitis. Subsequently, the pain is localized in one place and gradually increases. In a specific place there is swelling, sometimes a new formation on the gum, sometimes reaching the size of a walnut. If the inflammation is localized closer to the outer surface, then swelling and redness can be observed with the naked eye. If you notice the first symptoms, we recommend that you consult a dentist.

An abscess of the tongue is characterized by an increase in the organ's volume, difficulty swallowing, chewing, and even suffocation. Any abscess is accompanied by fever, deterioration and general weakness, insomnia, and loss of appetite. The progression of the disease leads to a breakthrough of the abscess, which is manifested in a decrease in temperature, a decrease in swelling and an improvement in overall well-being. However, there is no reason to stop treatment, since inflammation can continue and develop into a chronic form. This can lead to tooth loss, sepsis and phlegmon.

Possible complications

Possible complications: when opening a peritonsillar abscess, complications may develop, as with any surgical intervention:

1. incomplete outflow of pus;
2. wound infection;
3. allergic reactions to medications used;
4. increased swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa (as a reaction to intervention).

In terms of examining the patient, it is necessary to prescribe clinical blood tests over time, a general urine test, in order to determine the severity of the body’s general reaction to the infectious-inflammatory process, and electrocardiography. Bacteriological studies of throat cultures and studies of the sensitivity of microorganisms to antibacterial drugs are carried out.

Since paratonsillar abscesses usually develop in people suffering from chronic tonsillitis, it is recommended to remove the tonsils during a quiet period.

Treatment of oral abscess

Treatment of an abscess requires surgery. In order to eliminate the source of infection and stop the spread of inflammation, the dental surgeon step by step:

• opens an abscess;
• drains the cavity;
• cleans the pocket;
• Rarely applies stitches if the size of the incision is large.

After removal of the pus, the patient’s well-being improves, and facial geometry is restored. Taking antibiotics, antihistamines, immunostimulants and a vitamin complex significantly speeds up the healing process. Sometimes the doctor may prescribe physiotherapeutic procedures (UHF therapy and fluctuarization).

For some time, the patient needs to exclude solid foods from the diet and adhere to healthy eating rules.

General principles of treatment of the disease

The doctor who treats phlegmon of the maxillofacial area is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Each doctor, when starting to treat an odontogenic process in the maxillofacial area, is guided in his actions by the following principles:

The tooth that caused the development of phlegmon is removed. Timely diagnosis is very important due to the characteristics of this area, from where the infection can spread, causing severe consequences (in particular, mediastinitis). It is necessary to eliminate the spread of the infection, that is, promptly open the lesion and eliminate the inflammatory exudate, relieve tissue tension. The rate of subsidence of inflammation depends on the quality of evacuation of all decay products from the wound, that is, careful postoperative treatment of the wound is necessary. Comprehensive treatment of pathology using all means and methods available in this medical institution. Friendly management of the patient with colleagues from other areas, timely appointment of consultations with all specialists for combined lesions. Visible external changes often occur, which are not always pleasant for the patient, which is especially painful in the face area. Therefore, there is an urgent need to organize work with patients by a medical psychologist in the early stages after surgery, especially if there is a significant visible defect. Correct stage-by-stage treatment, organization of medical rehabilitation, referral to the appropriate department with complete information about the patient. Fully informing relatives and the patient about the violation of significant functions of the maxillofacial area, if any. Upon leaving the hospital, the patient should have clear further recommendations, especially if it is necessary to continue treatment on an outpatient basis.

Prognosis and prevention of oral abscess

The success of treating oral abscesses depends on at what stage of the disease the patient seeks help and how strong the body’s defense mechanism is. With timely treatment, the prognosis for eliminating inflammation is quite favorable. In the absence of complications, strong immunity and a high-quality opening of the lesion, an oral abscess can be cured in a couple of weeks.

Prevention of the disease consists of following the following recommendations:

• regular teeth cleaning and professional oral hygiene at least once every six months;
• minimizing the risk of injury to the mucous membrane;
• timely treatment of caries and periodontal diseases;
• visiting a dentist for a preventive examination once every 6 months.

Opening a paratonsillar abscess

The choice of surgical incision is determined by the localization of the inflammatory process in the peritonsillar tissue. The operation is performed under local anesthesia.

• achieve sufficient opening of the patient's mouth. An anesthetic is injected with a thin needle using a syringe (2% novocaine solution, lidocaine, ultracaine in the absence of contraindications);
• the location of the opening of the abscess depends on its location;
• immediately after opening, tilt the patient’s head down so that the pus released under pressure does not enter the respiratory tract. Emptying the abscess cavity leads to a rapid improvement in the patient's condition;
• gargling with antiseptic solutions and monitoring the drainage of the abscess cavity is necessary in the next 2-3 days.

After opening the abscesses, the throat is rinsed with antiseptic solutions; it is recommended to re-open the edges of the incision due to the fact that in the first day after opening, pus can again accumulate in the abscess cavity, and the edges of the incised mucous membrane quickly begin to regenerate. After draining the abscess cavity, inflammatory changes in the pharynx undergo reverse development, body temperature normalizes, pain when swallowing disappears, and overall well-being improves. In the complex treatment of peritonsillar abscesses, antibacterial drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, and desensitizing drugs are used. In case of severe general intoxication, infusion and detoxification therapy is recommended.

Kinds

Based on the presence of the upper and lower parts of the jaw in a person, these inflammatory processes can be divided into two types: abscess of the lower jaw (the same type can also include a submandibular abscess, since their sources of origin are the same) and the upper jaw.

Abscess of the upper jaw

The most common source of infection is the upper wisdom teeth. Causes difficulty opening the mouth and swallowing.

Abscess of the lower jaw

Most often, the infection spreads from the lower molars (molars and premolars). The patient's complaints are mostly related to pain when chewing and swallowing.

An abscess of the submandibular region is characterized by visually noticeable and painful swelling in the submandibular triangle, and the shape of the face may be distorted.

Symptoms and signs

To determine the presence of an inflammatory process, it is enough to know a number of general signs inherent in this disease:

• constant severe headaches, general malaise, chills;
• in some cases, an increase in body temperature, in particular hyperemia of the inflamed area;
• leukocytosis;
• the presence of fluctuation (accumulation of pus) under the mucosa in the form of a small reddened swelling.

If the above symptoms are present, the patient is advised to immediately consult a doctor for prompt treatment, otherwise the inflammation may intensify, spread to neighboring areas, develop into more serious diseases, or cause respiratory complications.