Dental Abscesses, Ulcers, and Radiography: Common Questions
Dental Abscesses: Common Questions and Answers
Where can a dental abscess form? In the teeth or in the gums.
Where are the blood vessels and nerves of a tooth located? At the very centre of the tooth (pulp).
What is the function of the periodontal ligament? To attach the tooth to the jaw.
How is plaque described? Plaque is a by-product of food and saliva.
What is the most common form of abscess? A periapical abscess.
How is later infection prevented in a periapical abscess? With antibiotics and a permanent root filling.
Where does a periodontal abscess form? In the supporting tissues around the tooth.
What is the treatment for a periodontal abscess? Antibiotics and by cutting into the gum to drain the pus.
Why is surgery sometimes necessary after a periodontal abscess? To reshape the gum.
What can happen if an abscess is not treated? The infection can spread to the face, brain, and neck, which can be life-threatening, but these cases are rare.
Understanding Dental Abscesses
What is a dental abscess? It is an infection which causes a collection of pus.
Where can a dental abscess form? In the teeth, the gums, and the bone around the teeth.
Where are the blood vessels and nerves of a tooth located? At soft pulp.
How is plaque described? Dental plaque is a soft, sticky film, made up mainly of bacteria, which forms on the teeth and is present in all mouths.
What is the most common form of abscess? Periapical abscess.
Why is surgery sometimes necessary after a periodontal abscess? To prevent further infection.
What can happen if an abscess is not treated? The tooth may also need to be extracted.
Dental Radiography: Key Information
Why does the dentist need to use radiography? To see the extent of a condition or even reveal what may not be visible with the oral exam alone.
Name three factors which determine the number of radiographs required. The patient’s age, which teeth have emerged, whether they have primary teeth only or a combination of primary and permanent teeth, and whether or not they have a specific condition the dentist may need more information about for treatment.
What is the correct technical name for these types of radiographs? Intra oral radiographs.
How many images are usually taken in a series? 8 to 10 images.
Why is this type of radiograph commonly used? Because they show a lot of detail in a specific area.
What is used to protect the child from the x-ray beams? A lead apron and collar.
Which other type of radiograph may also be used? A panoramic radiograph.
Why is the second type of radiograph not used as much as the first? Because it does not provide enough detail.
Mouth Ulcers: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
What is the name of the tissue that lines the inside of the mouth? Mucous membrane.
How long does it usually take for mouth ulcers to heal? They usually resolve by themselves in a few days.
Name 3 common symptoms for mouth ulcers. Loss of appetite, swollen skin around the sores, a round sore or sores inside the mouth.
What is the common name for the “herpes simplex viral infection”? Cold sore.
Name 2 parts of the mouth that aphthous ulcers can affect. Tongue, gums, mouth lining.
What is another name for an aphthous ulcer? Canker sore.
Name 2 complications of mouth ulcers. Bacterial infection, tooth abscess.
What is the most likely cause of a large yellow ulcer? It was most likely caused by trauma.
What kind of drugs can be used to treat ulcers caused by oral thrush? Anti-fungal drugs.