Page 18 - My FlipBook

10 CAUSES AM) RELIEF OF DENTAL PAIN.

Symptoms,—Those of suppuration "I' the dental peri-
osteum, plus inflammation of the gums (gingiviti
accompanied by the formation of deep pockets, from

which pus exudes round the necks of the teeth, leading
to destruction of dental periosteum, absorption of the
alveolus, and loosening of the teeth..
Treatment.—The treatment of this condition is exceed -

ingly unsatisfactory ; at the same time efforts must be
made to minimise the suppuration by the use of antiseptic
mouth-washes, such as chlorate of potash in combination
with sanitas, permanganate of potash, etc.

Alveolar abscess.—An abscess arising from a tooth is
known as an alveolar abscess or " gum-boil" ; it is
usually situated at the end of the root of a tooth.
Causes.—Extension of septic infection from the pulp

or periosteum of a tooth.
Symptoms.—Those of dental periostitis much inten-
sified, e. g. the tooth is raised and tender ; the gums are
swollen, deeply congested pus frequently wells up at
;
side of tooth.
Sulcus between cheek and tooth instead of being
hollow is filled up by a globular or diffuse swelling.
Sometimes diffuse cellulitis of the face occurs, the

whole cheek becoming swollen, tense, shining, very
painful, and the eye closed if the abscess is connected
with an upper tooth. The pus from an upper tooth may

burrow into the antrum in the case of upper bicuspids (or
molars), or be directed towards the palate (upper lateral
incisor) either between the periosteum and the bone,
when there will be great j3ain, or between the periosteum

and the mucous membrane, when there will be but little
pain, since the tissue in that situation is somewhat lax
and therefore yields readily.
When an abscess is situated at the root of a lower