Do you feel extreme pain and sensitivity when chewing? Have bad breath? Have a bad taste in your mouth? Have facial swelling and fever? All of these symptoms could indicate that you have a dental abscess. A dental abscess is a condition that is caused by bacteria creating a pocket of pus around the tooth.

How is a Tooth Abscess Formed?

An untreated cavity can increase your risk of a tooth abscess. Without prompt treatment, harmful oral bacteria enter the cavity and cause further damage to the tooth until the decay reaches the nerves and blood vessels in the inner chamber. This results in infection in the pulp canal system and spreads to the tip of the tooth root in the jawbone, causing pain, swelling, and redness in the gums.

Other causes of a tooth abscess include a cracked or fractured tooth, gum disease, severe tooth decay, and severe trauma or problems with an existing root canal.

What are the Dangers of an Untreated Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess will not heal on its own. Delaying treatment can frequently worsen the pain, sensitivity, and swelling and redness of the gums.

Choosing to ignore a dental abscess could result in minor to serious health conditions, including:

• Tooth Loss – With early diagnosis and treatment, the infected tooth can be saved through root canal treatment and a crown. If left untreated the abscess could lead to the tooth weakening and the infection spreading, resulting in loss of the infected tooth.
• Sinus Infections – Since the upper teeth roots extend into your sinus area, the abscess could trigger a painful sinus infection.
• Septicaemia – Septicaemia is a life-threatening complication of an untreated tooth abscess. It means the infection has spread throughout the entire body. Septicaemia due to a tooth abscess is caused by a ruptured pocket of pus, spilling into the blood, and circulating throughout the body.

How are Tooth Abscesses Treated and Prevented?

To treat an abscessed tooth, the dentist needs to clear up the infection to relieve the pain. Determining the exact location of the tooth abscess requires an x-ray examination. This will also help the dentist find out if the infection has spread to other areas.

Luckily, various treatments are available to treat a dental abscess. However, treatment options depend on the type and severity of the abscess.

• Dental Abscess Drain – A small cut is made in the abscess to drain the pus. A saline solution is used to clean the infected area.
• Antibiotics – The dentist often prescribes oral antibiotics if a patient has a weakened immune system. Antibiotics help stop the infection from spreading to other areas.
• Tooth Extraction – Tooth extraction may be required if the tooth is severely damaged. Following the removal of the damaged tooth, the dentist will drain the abscess.
• Root Canal Procedure – To drain the abscess, the dentist will drill into the affected tooth to remove the infected pulp and fill and seal the chamber, which holds both pulp and root canal. A dental crown is placed to cap and strengthen the tooth.

If you cannot visit your dentist right away, taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen, will provide temporary relief from pain. You can also rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution to help control the pain and infection.

To reduce the risk of dental abscess, ensure you follow good oral hygiene, such as brushing twice daily and flossing, and regular dental visits every six months.

At KentEndo you can be safe in the knowledge that you will always receive the highest possible level of care, in a relaxed and calm environment, ensuring that you can keep your teeth as healthy as possible for as long as possible. If you would like more information or have any questions do not hesitate to ring the surgery on 01622 225555.