Tooth abscesses are a common cause of emergency dentistry visits. Without proper care and attention, they can lead to severe complications for your dental hygiene as well as your general well-being. With the knowledge of how to spot an abscess early, you can save yourself from enduring more significant dental health issues down the road. In this article, we will discuss the origin of tooth abscesses, what signs and symptoms to look for, and treatments for tooth abscesses.
What is a tooth abscess?
An abscessed tooth is a pus-filled pocket caused by bacterial infection. This type of damage can wreak havoc on both the affected and adjacent teeth, as well as cause decay to the neighbouring bone.
What are the different types of tooth abscesses? 
- Gingival abscess: A gingival abscess is an infection of the soft tissue surrounding your teeth, and it isn’t caused by dental cavities. Instead, food particles that get stuck in the gum tissue cause bacteria to proliferate inside these periodontal pockets – leading to this painful infection.
- Periodontal abscess: A periodontal abscess is a severe infection of the gum pockets resulting in inflammation and destruction of underlying ligaments and bone. This occurs when bacteria gain access to the gums through cracked teeth or cavities, enabling them to multiply rapidly and cause an onslaught of pain.
- Periapical abscess: Encountering a periapical abscess is one of the most frequent forms of tooth abscesses. Such an infection manifests at the root tip and occurs as bacteria penetrate through either a crack or cavity in your teeth.
What are some symptoms of a tooth abscess?
Suffering from an abscessed tooth can lead to a sudden, intense ache in your gums or near one of your teeth. This discomfort will quickly increase as time goes on and may become unbearable if left untreated.
Other symptoms include:
- Fever
- Bad breath
- Swollen lymph nodes under your jaw
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold food
- Loose teeth
- Pain when biting
What are the tooth abscess treatment options?
Depending on the seriousness and cause of your dental abscess, treatment options could include:
Incision and drainage
To treat the abscess, the dentist will pierce it to draw out the pus. To ensure that all of the substances are drawn out, and no infection remains, they might also place a tiny rubber tube in there to facilitate continuous drainage.
Root canal treatment
The root canal procedure entails the elimination of a decayed inner pulp, which is replaced with protective material to avert future infections. In its early developmental stages, the pulp serves an important role; after maturity, though, it is no longer necessary for your teeth’s functioning. After the treatment, you may be required to get a crown so that your tooth remains healthy and can last through life with appropriate care.
Antibiotics
When the infection remains contained to the abscess, antibiotics may not be needed; however, if your immune system has been compromised or the infection has spread, your dentist might recommend antibiotics to help eliminate it.
Tooth extraction
Occasionally, the dentist may need to extract a tooth that cannot be treated and preserved. Once this occurs, the pus will drain out from the socket, and healing can begin.
Is a tooth abscess an urgent dental matter?
Is a tooth abscess an urgent dental matter?Are dental abscesses a dental emergency? An unequivocal ”yes” is the answer to that. Immediate medical attention is necessary if you think you may have one. Ignoring an abscess could be disastrous, as it can lead to grave infections spreading throughout your body and beyond!
The best thing for everyone involved would be to get this issue sorted out quickly – don’t delay dental treatment any longer than necessary!
What are the risk factors that can increase the chances of a dental abscess?
There are many risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing a dental abscess. The following are some of them:
- Poor dental hygiene
- Dental trauma or injury
- Having a dry mouth
- Consuming a diet high in sugar
- Weakened immune system
How to prevent tooth abscesses?
Regular visits to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings can help prevent dental abscesses. Also, brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once daily, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash will reduce the buildup of plaque on your teeth that causes cavities which in turn increases your chances of a dental abscess. Lastly, avoiding sugary foods and drinks, as well as acidic beverages like soda and juice, can also help keep your teeth healthy and free from bacteria that can lead to an infection. Follow these tips to ward off any potential issues!
Treat tooth abscess at St Leonards Green Dental
Don’t delay – if you have any of the symptoms associated with a dental abscess, reach out to St Leonards Green Dental quickly. We won’t let the infection fester and will immediately evaluate it in order to determine which treatment is most suitable for your situation. Remember that this condition requires professional attention, and simply waiting won’t make it go away on its own!
Contact us now at (02) 9158 6211 to book your consultation.
References
Abscessed Tooth: What You Need to Know
https://www.healthline.com/health/abscessed-tooth
What’s to know about dental abscesses?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/170136
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