Discover All There is to Know About Dental Abscesses
A dental abscess is a build-up of pus that forms near the root of infected teeth. It can be excruciating and may affect anyone, from children to the elderly. The condition can also have a range of causes, and treatment is necessary since it won't go away on its own.
Let's explore critical information regarding dental abscesses.
They can arise from many causes
In most cases, dental abscesses occur as a complication of dental infections. Bacteria found in plaque make their way and wreak havoc on a tooth. Here's what generally contributes to a dental abscess:
Injured or decayed teeth: If left untreated, injured or decayed teeth can result in openings in the enamel, allowing bacteria to infect the central area. It leads to abscesses at the top of the tooth and can spread to the bone.
Gum infections: Infected gums and deep pockets inside the gums.
Post-treatment infections: After dental treatments, such as root canal procedures, implants, and extractions, infections could occur.
Pericoronitis: Infections around inflamed soft tissue around an erupting tooth.
Bruising: Intense tooth bruising could lead to infections.
Dental abscesses leave an array of symptoms
A lot of patients report pain around the affected tooth, but this doesn't always happen. If this symptom arises, it usually triggers a sharp pain, especially when putting pressure on the tooth. It can also spread to the jaw or other areas of the face.
Other symptoms include:
Gum redness
Swelling
Fever
Bad taste
Trouble swallowing or breathing
Swollen lymph nodes
Puffy gums
Sensitivity to high or low temperatures
Foul odors when chewing with the affected tooth
Sometimes, dental abscesses form pimple-like bumps on the gum. If you press it, pus oozes out, which is a reliable sign of this condition.
People with fevers, swelling in the face, or trouble swallowing or breathing should seek medical attention immediately. The infection might have spread to other body parts and entered the bloodstream.
Treating a dental abscess
If you're experiencing symptoms of a dental abscess, visit an experienced dentist. They will quickly diagnose the issue and recommend one of the following procedures:
Incision: The dentist cuts out the abscess and drains the pus. They will also administer a local anesthetic.
Root canal treatment: This procedure removes a periapical abscess. The dentist creates a hole in the tooth, draining the pus, and removes damaged tissue. Then, they insert a root filling to prevent future infections.
Cleaning the periodontal pocket: If you have a periodontal abscess, the dentist will drain it and clean the periodontal pocket. They will also smooth out the root surface, allowing the tooth to heal and avoid further infections.
Get professional dental care for your needs
A dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to keep the infection from spreading. The most common antibiotics include metronidazole and amoxicillin. However, please don't take them without consulting a professional, and don't use them as a substitution for conventional treatment. Contact a dentist to treat your dental concerns.
If you need a gentle, caring dental team, please call Jennifer Fineberg’s office at (623) 362-2550. We’ll give you the very best dental care we can!
