Tooth Abscess Treatment — Stop the Infection and Pain

Many people don’t know this, but a tooth abscess is one of the leading reasons people visit an emergency dentist. Abscesses can cause major damage to your teeth and health if left untreated. This article will explore the causes of tooth abscesses, the most prevalent symptoms, and how exactly dentists treat them. 

 

What is a tooth abscess?

An abscessed tooth is when there’s a pocket of pus as a result of a bacterial infection. An abscess can damage the involved tooth, harm adjacent teeth, and decay the neighbouring bone. 

 

What are the types of tooth abscesses?

There are three types of tooth abscesses: periapical, periodontal, and gingival. 

• Periapical abscess: This is the most common type of abscess. It occurs at the end of the tooth’s root and is a result of an untreated cavity or dental trauma.
• Periodontal abscess: This type of abscess affects the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth. It’s usually caused by plaque build-up.
• Gingival abscess: It is caused by bacterial infection due to food stuck in the gum line, broken teeth, or tooth decay. Gingival abscesses are not as common as periapical or periodontal abscesses.

 

 

What are the symptoms of an abscessed tooth?

An abscessed tooth is most notably distinguished by an excruciating, throbbing pain near a tooth or in your gums. The discomfort generally starts suddenly and gets worse quickly.

Other symptoms include:

• Fever
• Bad breath
• Swollen lymph nodes under your jaw  
• Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold food
• Loose or discoloured teeth
• Pain when biting or chewing 
• Pain that gets worse when lying down
• Pain that radiates to your neck, jaw, or ear 
• Swollen gums

Dental abscesses are incredibly painful, but if they rupture, you’ll feel instantaneous relief and taste a sudden foulness in your mouth.

 

What are the treatment options for dental abscesses?

The following are treatment options available to patients with tooth abscesses, depending on the severity and type: 

 

Tooth extraction

A tooth may sometimes need to be extracted if it cannot be saved. This would enable pus to drain from the socket.

 

Incision and drainage

To drain the pus from an abscess, your dentist will pierce it. They might also put a tiny rubber drainage tube in the area to keep it open for draining. 

 

Root canal treatment

The root canal procedure eradicates an infected and notoriously difficult-to-reach inner pulp. Once the space is emptied, it will be refilled with materials to guarantee that no other infection flourishes in the future. The inner pulp is crucial for a young, growing tooth; however, an adult tooth can survive without it. After your treatment, your tooth will be as good as new. In some cases, you might need a crown for extra protection. With the right care, your restored tooth can last forever! 

 

Antibiotics

You might not need antibiotics if the infection only affects the abscessed area. But if your immune system is weak or the infection has worsened, your dentist will most likely prescribe antibiotics to help get rid of it.

 

Is a dental abscess considered an emergency?

A tooth abscess can be a serious dental issue, and you should visit a dentist as soon as you can if you think you have one. If you don’t treat an abscess, it could cause a dangerous infection that spreads throughout your body. 

 

How to prevent tooth abscesses?

If you improve your oral hygiene habits, you can avoid tooth abscesses in the future and address the underlying conditions that caused your current infection.

Here are some tips for keeping your teeth healthy and clean:

• Visit your dentist every six months or as often as they recommend
• Eat a well-balanced diet that limits acidic or sugary foods and drinks
• Brush for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice per day
• Steer clear of tobacco products and smoking
• Drink more water
• Clean between your teeth once daily using an interdental toothbrush and a flossing device

 

What increases your likelihood of developing a dental abscess?

The following are risk factors that may contribute to your likelihood of developing a tooth abscess:

• Dry mouth. Having a dry mouth can up your chance of getting cavities. A dry mouth is often caused by the side effects of certain medications or issues with ageing.
• A weakened immune system. Diseases and medications can compromise your immune system, making it harder for the body to stave off infection.
• A diet high in sugar. If you regularly drink sodas and eat sugary foods, you may be at risk of developing dental cavities. If left untreated, these cavities can lead to dental abscesses.

 

Stop the infection and pain from getting worse. Get help now.

It’s crucial to understand that a tooth abscess cannot improve without the help of a dentist. If you have any of the symptoms explained above, please contact our St Leonards Green Dental team as soon as possible. We know that your smile means a lot to you, so we’ll work quickly to assess the infection and go over the dental treatment options with you.

Call us at (02) 9158 6211 to book an appointment.

 

 

 

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. 

 

 

 

 

References

What’s to know about dental abscesses?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/170136

Abscessed Tooth: What You Need to Know
https://www.healthline.com/health/abscessed-tooth