Tooth Abscess

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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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Address 6093 Yonge St, Toronto, ON, M2M 3W2
Phone (647) 931-6696
Email info@walkindentalclinic.ca

Business Hours

Monday – Saturday 9:00 AM – Midnight
Sunday 11:00 AM TO 4:00 PM

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.

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What Is a Tooth Abscess?

Dental abscesses are usually caused by bacteria accumulating in the soft pulp of the tooth and causing a bacterial infection. The bacteria in the plaque adheres to the gums and teeth and damage them.
If the plaque is not removed with flossing and brushing regularly, the bacteria can enter the soft tissues of the teeth and gums, resulting in abscesses.
Abscesses are often painful. In any case, if you have an abscess, you have to visit our walk-in emergency dentist.

What Are Different Types of Tooth Abscesses?

Generally, there are three types of abscesses:
– Gingival abscess: This abscess is only related to the gums and does not affect the periodontal ligament (PDL) tissues at all (the dense fibrous tissue between the tooth and the alveolar bone of the jaw).
– Periodontal abscess: The abscess begins in the tissues of the gum
– Periapical abscess: The abscess occurs at the tooth roots or pulp. Usually, it is caused by an infection that is spread from the tooth to the surrounding tissues.

What Are the Symptoms of Abscess?

Some common symptoms of a dental or gingival abscess include:
– A severe throbbing pain that occurs in the gums or teeth and gets worse
– Pain that spreads to the ear, jaw, and neck
– Pain that gets worse at night and can interfere with your sleep
– Redness and swelling of the face
– Having a sensitive, stained, and loose tooth
– Red and swollen gums
– Tooth sensitivity to cold or hot foods and beverages
– Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
– Fever
– Feeling unwell and boredom
– Hard to open the mouth
– Difficulty swallowing
– Insomnia
When the infection spreads, you develop a high fever and are bored. In severe cases, you have difficulty swallowing or breathing. It is recommended to head to the emergency dental clinic if you notice the first sign of a tooth abscess.

What to Do If You Have an Abscess?

When a person notices some symptoms of one type of abscess, s/he should refer to the emergency dental office immediately because an experienced dentist can easily diagnose the type of abscess. Some abscesses may need a surgical drainage procedure. Besides, the emergency dentist may prescribe antibiotics or perform root canal treatment. In some cases, tooth extraction is the only treatment.
Take a dental abscess seriously. It is important to refer to the emergency dental clinic as soon as possible because the abscess will not go away on its own. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of your body and cause severe complications. We are here at Walk-in Dental Clinic to help you and meet your dental emergency needs.