If you think you have a dental abscess, you should see an emergency dentist as soon as possible. An abscess is a dental infection that causes pus to collect in or around a tooth. Periodontal abscesses originate from the structures around the tooth, such as the jawbone or gums. Endodontic infections originate from inside the tooth itself when a crack or severe cavity allows bacteria inside. Immediate treatment can not only relieve pain but prevent dangerous complications arising from the infection. An untreated infection can spread to other areas of the body, where it can cause serious damage. If it spreads to the bloodstream, a life-threatening condition called septicemia could develop.
One of the most characteristic symptoms of an abscess is a visible pocket of swelling around the tooth. This resembles a small pimple and contains pus. Not all infections cause a visible abscess. The collection of pus puts pressure on the nerves of your tooth and can cause pain. This may radiate to your ear, face, jaw, or neck, or increase with biting or chewing. If the abscess ruptures, your pain may resolve immediately but your mouth fills with a fluid that tastes and smells foul. The underlying infection is still there, so the abscess may build up again. An abscess can cause sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures and make it difficult to swallow, breathe, or even open or close the mouth. An infection of a tooth can also cause systemic symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes and fever.
Based on these physical signs, an emergency dentist may be able to diagnose an abscess with a physical examination alone. However, if the infection is inside the tooth, it may require dental X-rays to diagnose.
There are several possible treatments available for an infected tooth. Based on the specifics of your condition, you may receive more than one treatment.
An abscess results from a bacterial infection. Antibiotics are medications that kill bacteria. A course of antibiotics may resolve the infection on its own. It is important to note that for antibiotics to work, the patient must follow the instructions for dosage and timing as carefully as possible. Missing a dose or not finishing the treatment because symptoms seem to be improving could result in the survival of the harmful bacteria. Symptoms would eventually reappear over time because the underlying cause was never eradicated.
If the abscess is visible, the dentist may make a small incision in the gum tissue to allow the pus to drain from the wound after first using a local agent to numb the area. This should relieve pain, and then the dentist can wash out the wound with saline to flush out any remaining bacteria. The infection may have permanently destroyed some oral tissues, and the dentist may perform a procedure called debridement to remove it.
If the infection is inside the tooth, a root canal may be performed to drain the abscess and remove the infected tissues, including the arteries, veins, and nerves. This is a method of preserving the tooth. While root canals have a reputation for being very painful, modern dentistry allows for a variety of methods to help patients feel as comfortable as possible. Many people report that the level of discomfort is no worse than having a cavity filled. Once the infected tissues are removed, the tooth is sealed and given a crown if necessary. Recovery is minimal and many people feel back to normal within a day or two.
The tooth is only extracted if all other treatment options fail. Because it is very important to replace a lost, missing, or extracted tooth as soon as possible, your dentist will discuss your options for tooth replacement. These may include:
The treatment plan you and your dentist select will be based on the amount of dental work you are comfortable with, your aesthetic preferences, and the overall health and strength of the surrounding teeth. No matter which course of action you choose, replacing an extracted tooth helps prevent other complications from developing in the future.
See an emergency dentist if you think you may have an infected tooth with an abscess. This can prevent serious complications as well as relieve pain.
Request an appointment here: https://www.diamondheaddentalcare.com or call Diamond Head Dental Care at (808) 450-2101 for an appointment in our Honolulu office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dentist in Honolulu, HI.
Emergency dentistry can provide immediate relief from the discomfort that you may be experiencing. While waiting for your turn, you can do a few things to help your situation. Knowing what to do can prepare your teeth and gums for urgent treatment.If a patient wants to know what they can do while waiting to see…
Emergency dentistry is an excellent option if you have a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth. An emergency dentist can help to fix your tooth and prevent further damage. If you have a tooth that is damaged, it is essential to visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you visit an emergency dentist,…
Gum bleeding signifies that you must visit the emergency dentistry office immediately. The dentist will examine your mouth to determine if the bleeding is due to simple irritation or a more severe condition. If your gums are bleeding, you must see a doctor immediately so the problem does not worsen. This article explains why anybody…
An emergency dentist is a licensed dentist who focuses on treating dental emergencies, such as a chipped tooth, a loose tooth, a tooth knocked out of the socket, tooth infection, lost crown, and lost filling. This review closely examines how an emergency dentistry office can assist you.Emergency dentistry offices offer prompt treatment and specialized dental…
The busyness of moving to a new city can make it easy to forget about routine dental checkups. However, it is important to find a dentist as soon as you relocate to a new area so there is no lapse between six-month cleanings and examinations. It is also necessary to have a dentist lined up…
It is important to recognize when it is time to find a dentist for treatment and care. In addition to routine care, emergency visits, and cavity treatment, patients should also contact a dental professional when experiencing gum problems. Although usually minor at first, gum issues can advance quickly and lead to unpleasant dental diagnoses.Gum inflammation,…