Acute Apical Abscess

Question 1

what is acute apical abscess

Answer 1

acute inflammation of the soft tissues immediately surrounding the tip of the root of a tooth caused by decay and death of pulp tissue

Question 2

signs and symptoms of acute apical abscess

Answer 2

pain
swelling on gingiva
fever
lethargy
loss of appetite

Question 3

what is the initial management for an acute apical abscess

Answer 3

determine if airway is compromised
if compromised - call 999
if not compromised - recommend optimal analgesia, initiate drainage of abscess through the affected tooth or if there is related soft tissue swelling do an incisional drainage

Question 4

what should you do after draining an apical abscess through the affected tooth

Answer 4

irrigate the canal with either sodium hypochlorite or chlorhexidine and seal non-setting calcium hydroxide in canal with a temp restoration

Question 5

what are all treatment options for acute apical abscesses

Answer 5

do nothing
XLA
attempt drainage through affected tooth
attempt drainage through incisional drainage