SIGNS—Examination will reveal any or all of the following.
TREATMENT—The emergency treatment for periodontitis is the same as for marginal gingivitis and NUG.
A periodontal abscess is caused by an infection in the periodontal tissues. This infection is usually the result of long-continued irritation by food debris; deep deposits of calculus; or a foreign object such as a toothbrush bristle or a popcorn husk being tightly packed into the interproximal spaces or between the tooth and the soft tissues.
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS—The symptoms and signs for periodontal abscesses are similar to those for periapical abscesses.
TREATMENT—Gently probe the affected area with a scaler or a periodontal probe to establish drainage. Probe the space between the tooth surface and the soft tissue.
If probing fails to start drainage, apply warm saline soaks to the affected area. NOTE: Never apply soaks to the face because they may cause drainage through the face rather than the abscess.
This is an inflammation of the gingiva around a partially erupted tooth. When a tooth begins to erupt, breaking through the gingival tissue, a small flap of tissue may remain over the tooth surface. Debris can accumulate beneath the tissue flap, and if the patient is unable to keep the area properly cleansed, inflammation can result. It can also result from constant contact between the tissue flap and a tooth in the opposing arch.
Pericoronitis most often affects mandibular third molars, although any erupting tooth may be involved. The condition often occurs in the 18 to 25-year age group. Because many Navy personnel are in this age group, pericoronitis is one of the most frequent periodontal emergencies encountered.
SYMPTOMS—A patient’s symptoms may include the following.
SIGNS—Your examination may reveal the following.