Tooth Abscess
A Dental Emergency: Abscess
The abscess is a sac containing pus that builds up around the root of an infected tooth. Please be aware that a dental abscess cannot go away on its own, and the emergency dentist should treat it. If the dental abscess is left untreated, the infection may spread from the jaw to other parts of the body, including the head and neck.
The Reasons for Dental Abscess
The tooth enamel is hard, but the inner part of the tooth, which is made up of a set of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels, can sometimes become infected.
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The most common causes of dental abscess are:
– Deep dental cavities or tooth decay
– Gum disease or periodontal disease
– Cracked tooth
An untreated infection destroys the inner part of the tooth, known as the pulp, and causes abscesses.
In general, the most common types of abscesses are:
– A periapical abscess that forms at the tooth root
– A periodontal abscess that affects the bone adjacent to the tooth
Symptoms of Dental Abscess
Here are some symptoms of a dental abscess. If you have the following symptoms, you have to head to the emergency dental clinic as soon as possible:
– Pain
– Inflammation
– Gingival redness
– Unpleasant taste sensation in the mouth
– Feeling pain while chewing;
– Jaw pain
– Fever
– Swelling of the lymph nodes
– Breathing or swallowing problem
Occasionally there is a swelling on the gums that, if pressed, the pus will come out. This is the most obvious sign of a dental abscess.
Dental Abscess Diagnosis
Pain and swelling are the most common symptoms of a dental abscess, but sometimes there are no obvious symptoms. An abscess that has no specific symptoms can be detected by X-ray imaging.
Dental Abscess Treatment
The main goal of dental abscess treatment is to eliminate the infection. Therefore, the emergency dentist will follow one of the following methods:
– Antibiotics: Antibiotics will usually be prescribed if the infection has spread to the jaw or other parts of the body. Antibiotics kill the infection but do not treat the abscess.
– Tooth extraction: Sometimes, the tooth cannot be saved and should be extracted in the emergency dental clinic.
– Root canal treatment: Root canals is one of the most effective ways to treat abscesses and preserve teeth. During the root canal treatment, the emergency dentist will drill a hole in the tooth and drain the pus. Then, he will fill the tooth or place veneer on the tooth. In this case, the appearance and the function of the tooth will be restored.
– Surgery: Periodontal abscess drainage may require surgery.
Dental Abscess Prevention
To avoid dental abscesses, follow the following tips to keep your mouth and teeth healthy:
– Don’t forget regular dental checkups and teeth cleaning;
– Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time with a fluoride toothpaste;
– Floss every day
– If your teeth are loose or cracked, refer to the emergency dental office as soon as possible;
– Minimize the consumption of snacks and sugary foods and beverages. Sweets and colas can cause tooth decay and abscesses.
Remember that if the abscess breaks out, your pain will go away, but you still need to visit the emergency dentist. Here at Walk-in Dental Clinic, we can provide emergency treatment for a dental abscess in the shortest possible time.