Ask an Emergency Dentist: What Is an Abscessed Tooth?

If you have an abscessed tooth, then a visit to an emergency dentist is important for you. An abscessed tooth is caused by a bacterial infection that causes a pocket of pus to form in different parts of the tooth. This can lead to medium to strong pain that can radiate from the ear to the neck in severe cases. It is important to get immediate care for an abscessed tooth.

Symptoms of an abscessed tooth

Patients who do not get an abscessed tooth treated can face a life-threatening condition. There are three main types of abscessed teeth:

• Periapical abscess: this type of abscess forms at the very tip of the root of the tooth.
• Periodontal abscess: this type of abscess happens on the gums near the root of the tooth. It is in danger of spreading to the surrounding bone and other tissues.
• Gingival abscess: in this form of abscess, the infection happens near the gums.

The main symptom of an abscessed tooth is throbbing pain. This pain can feel like it is radiating to the jaw, ear, or neck. The pain can also get worse when the patient lies down and is especially bad when eating or chewing. The teeth can be very sensitive and may feel loose. Because the pain is caused by a bacterial infection, patients may get infection-related symptoms. Patients may experience fevers, swollen lymph nodes, a bad taste in the mouth, or swollen, red gums.

Treatment from an emergency dentist

The treatment for a tooth abscess works to make the infection go away and relieve pain for the patients. The emergency dentist may use an X-ray to examine the mouth, which can help the dentist to tell if the infection has spread to other parts of the mouth. The emergency dentist may drain the abscess by cutting into it. This can drain the pus from the area and allow the emergency dentist to remove all of the bacteria from the tooth. The dentist can then clean the area with a solution of saline, which can quickly kill the bacteria.

If the tooth is too damaged, the emergency dentist might need to remove it before draining out the infection. The dentist will numb the area first so that there is not too much pain for the patient. Oral antibiotics are another way that the dentist can help the patient fight the infection. This may be necessary if the patient has a weakened immune system.

The risk factors

A high-sugar diet can make the individual more prone to cavities. This then makes the teeth more vulnerable to abscesses. An individual with poor dental care can increase one’s risk of having dental issues, such as tooth decay. A dental abscess will then develop, along with other problems. A dry mouth means little to no saliva production. This can lead to more bacteria and more decay, which leads to a dental abscess as well.

The cause of an abscessed tooth

When bacteria enter the dental pulp and cause havoc, an abscess starts to form. The pulp is the core of a tooth. It contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. Bacteria tend to enter through any dental damage. The infection then spreads to the tooth. The bacterial invasion causes swelling at the dental root’s tip.

Complications of an abscessed tooth

An abscessed tooth can only go away with proper treatment. Whenever it ruptures, the pain disappears. Even so, it will still need treatment. The infection can spread to the neck and head. The abscessed tooth may infect the sinus cavity as well. The patient may even develop sepsis.

Preventing an abscessed tooth

An individual can prevent the development of an abscessed tooth by preventing cavities. Having good dental care can make this possible. Working with the dentist can support this effort as well. Below are some pointers to consider:

• Use a fluoride mouth rinse for more protection against decay
• Drink fluoridated water
• Keep dental appointments
• Brush the teeth for two minutes at least two times a day
• Floss before bed
• Replace the toothbrush when the bristles become worn

Visit an emergency dentist

It is important for you to get an abscessed tooth treated as soon as possible. If you do not treat it, the bacteria can spread to other parts of your body and cause a life-threatening condition. An emergency dentist can treat an abscess by draining the infection out of the area. A patient may also receive antibiotics to help kill the bacteria.

Request an appointment here: https://www.missionvalleydentalarts.com or call Mission Valley Dental Arts at (619) 805-4248 for an appointment in our San Diego office.

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