Periodontal abscess

Abscesses in the periodontium always poses a unique challenge for a clinician as they are associated with severe bone loss, intrabony defects and deep periodontal pockets. Periodontal abscess is multifactorial in nature as gram negative organisms predominated over gram positive organisms. It is the third most common dental emergency. Periodontal abscess is associated with non periodontitis periodontal lesions and in patients with periodontitis. Diagnosis of periodontal abscess depends upon source of infection, prognosis, clinical signs and symptoms, clinical history, radiographic and histologic findings. Treatment of periodontal abscess is confined to its control of acute conditions and management of preexisting lesions. Treatment of periodontal abscess also includes systemic antimicrobial therapy in patients with general symptoms like fever, chills and rashes. As, It is a mixed infection, broad spectrum antibiotics like Metronidazole, Augmentin and Tetracyclines are used.