Learn More About Dental Abscess
A tooth or dental abscess collects pus in the affected area, and during this time, it can cause severe discomfort, which is often characterised as throbbing pain or pounding toothache.
Common symptoms are difficulty chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold, inflammation or swollen gums, and a change in the colour of your teeth. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. The infection in an abscessed tooth may spread or cause damage to nearby teeth and jawbone. In some cases, delaying the treatment may lead to tooth loss.
Hills Family Dental Centre can address your dental abscess quickly and efficiently. First, we will examine your mouth and determine your ideal course of treatment. We offer different procedures, like a tooth extraction, which may control the infection and manage to keep it from spreading. The dentists in our office have trained and handled such situations for years, and they are available for emergency cases.
Common Causes of
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess typically develops because of bacteria. Hence, any opening or hole that can let them enter the tooth or soft tissues in the mouth can trigger this oral problem. Most scenarios or common culprits are the following:
Cavities
It begins when tooth decay damages the hard surfaces (enamel) of the tooth. The bacteria can continue to grow and eventually reach all the way to the root of the tooth. If left unchecked, the infection can occur and lead to an abscess.
Tooth injury
Damage to the inner layer of a tooth is one of the most common causes of dental abscess. The pulp is located in the centre, and it is likely prone to infection when injured.
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Dental Services That
Can Address Dental Abscess
If you have a dental abscess, root canal therapy is a procedure that can eliminate the infection and may save your tooth.
If the tooth is unable to be saved, the dentist may need to pull or remove it to stop the infection from spreading.
If the molars have caused the abscess, you may need a wisdom tooth extraction to remove the infected tooth.
To meet your needs, the dentist in our clinic is available for such emergency cases.
It removes the inflamed or infected inner pulp and fills the space with material to prevent the recurrence of the infection.
The procedure may involve sectioning the tooth and making a small incision to gain access, and it is often done as a last resort to keep oral health.
It is also a procedure whereby the dentist will make a cut in your gum to have it exposed; the difference is that the process may involve oral surgery performed at the farthest part of the mouth.
Depending on the case, we may drain the pus carefully, and if a problem with your tooth has caused the abscess, we will find suitable dental treatment for immediate care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
About Dental Abscess
Is dental abscess a serious dental problem?
A dental abscess is a serious dental problem that should be treated as an emergency. If left untreated, the pus can rupture and spread the infection to other areas of your head and neck, with potentially fatal consequences.
It is, therefore, crucial to seek dental treatment as soon as possible if you suspect that you have this oral issue.
Can dental abscesses be managed at home?
If you have an abscess, you need to get examined by the dentist. However, you may be able to manage the pain at home while you wait for your appointment. Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce swelling and temporarily alleviate some discomforts. You may also find relief by applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek.
How do I prevent dental abscesses from occurring?
Proper oral hygiene is one of the ways to help prevent dental abscesses. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and clean between them by flossing once a day. You may also want to use an antibacterial mouthwash to help kill bacteria in your mouth.
Avoiding sugary drinks and snacks may lower your risk of developing decay or damaging your enamel.
When should I visit my doctor for a dental abscess problem?
As we’ve mentioned, while it is recommended to contact the dentist once you start having symptoms of a dental abscess, the following scenarios or cases significantly require emergency treatment:
- Fever
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Swelling in the face
- Unpleasant taste
- Poor breath
- Having trouble with swallowing
