If you think you have a dental abscess, you should see an emergency dentist as soon as possible. An abscess is a dental infection that causes pus to collect in or around a tooth. Periodontal abscesses originate from the structures around the tooth, such as the jawbone or gums. Endodontic infections originate from inside the tooth itself when a crack or severe cavity allows bacteria inside. Immediate treatment can not only relieve pain but prevent dangerous complications arising from the infection. An untreated infection can spread to other areas of the body, where it can cause serious damage. If it spreads to the bloodstream, a life-threatening condition called septicemia could develop.
One of the most characteristic symptoms of an abscess is a visible pocket of swelling around the tooth. This resembles a small pimple and contains pus. Not all infections cause a visible abscess. The collection of pus puts pressure on the nerves of your tooth and can cause pain. This may radiate to your ear, face, jaw, or neck, or increase with biting or chewing. If the abscess ruptures, your pain may resolve immediately but your mouth fills with a fluid that tastes and smells foul. The underlying infection is still there, so the abscess may build up again. An abscess can cause sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures and make it difficult to swallow, breathe, or even open or close the mouth. An infection of a tooth can also cause systemic symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes and fever.
Based on these physical signs, an emergency dentist may be able to diagnose an abscess with a physical examination alone. However, if the infection is inside the tooth, it may require dental X-rays to diagnose.
There are several possible treatments available for an infected tooth. Based on the specifics of your condition, you may receive more than one treatment.
An abscess results from a bacterial infection. Antibiotics are medications that kill bacteria. A course of antibiotics may resolve the infection on its own. It is important to note that for antibiotics to work, the patient must follow the instructions for dosage and timing as carefully as possible. Missing a dose or not finishing the treatment because symptoms seem to be improving could result in the survival of the harmful bacteria. Symptoms would eventually reappear over time because the underlying cause was never eradicated.
If the abscess is visible, the dentist may make a small incision in the gum tissue to allow the pus to drain from the wound after first using a local agent to numb the area. This should relieve pain, and then the dentist can wash out the wound with saline to flush out any remaining bacteria. The infection may have permanently destroyed some oral tissues, and the dentist may perform a procedure called debridement to remove it.
If the infection is inside the tooth, a root canal may be performed to drain the abscess and remove the infected tissues, including the arteries, veins, and nerves. This is a method of preserving the tooth. While root canals have a reputation for being very painful, modern dentistry allows for a variety of methods to help patients feel as comfortable as possible. Many people report that the level of discomfort is no worse than having a cavity filled. Once the infected tissues are removed, the tooth is sealed and given a crown if necessary. Recovery is minimal and many people feel back to normal within a day or two.
The tooth is only extracted if all other treatment options fail. Because it is very important to replace a lost, missing, or extracted tooth as soon as possible, your dentist will discuss your options for tooth replacement. These may include:
The treatment plan you and your dentist select will be based on the amount of dental work you are comfortable with, your aesthetic preferences, and the overall health and strength of the surrounding teeth. No matter which course of action you choose, replacing an extracted tooth helps prevent other complications from developing in the future.
See an emergency dentist if you think you may have an infected tooth with an abscess. This can prevent serious complications as well as relieve pain.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dentist in Colleyville, TX.
Since most dentist practices are not open for routine checkups and elective procedures due to the COVID-19 outbreak, it is important to protect your teeth and reduce the risk of oral health complications that result in the need for emergency dentistry. By keeping teeth protected, patients can better ensure that they keep good oral health…
A sports player might expect to visit an emergency dentist at some point in their career. However, if you are not a sports player, you might be wondering what an emergency dentist can offer you. The reality is that many people at some point will have an abscessed tooth, a toothache or another problem that…
Broken teeth can be a nightmare, affecting both your feeding habits and your social life. Eating certain foods may prove challenging if you have chipped teeth, not to mention the pain that might arise should you consume cold or hot beverages and foods. Walking around with chipped teeth might also harm your social life since…
During a visit to the general dentistry office, the dental professional will typically emphasize the importance of flossing. If you tend to forget to floss every day or have trouble with the process, you are not alone. The time and effort required to thread the floss between each tooth and remove plaque and food particles…
Regular trips to the family dentist are essential for staying healthy. Ensuring that the mouth is in tip-top shape can aid the body in defending against harmful bacteria. Even with a good at-home oral health regimen, keeping up with regular exams as recommended is crucial to catching new developments sooner.The body's immune system repels foreign…
Most people are aware of the steps needed to ensure the health of their teeth and mouth. Brushing, flossing, rinsing, eating healthy, and making those all-important trips to the family dentist. The American Dental Association recommends two professional visits per year. With six months between visits, your time with your dental provider is not so…