IS A DENTAL ABSCESS AN EMERGENCY

Is a Dental Abscess an Emergency

A tooth abscess is a pus-filled sac of infection within the gum tissue that typically appears next to the affected tooth or at the base of the tooth’s root. It can be very painful and requires immediate attention so a tooth abscess definitely qualifies as a dental emergency. The roots of our teeth hold all of the nerves and blood flow to each tooth and when that becomes infected, an abscess can form.

Without immediate treatment, an abscess can cause problems not only in the teeth but also in overall health. Infection can spread into the jaw, sinuses, and even into the bloodstream. Understanding the signs and symptoms of infection and tooth abscess can enable you to avoid severe or even long-term health problems.

Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Abscess

There are a few warning signs that indicate tooth abscess. Some symptoms include:

• Pain, redness, swelling in the gums
• Swelling in the jaw
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Fever
• Sensitivity to hot and cold, sugar, and acids
• A weeping sore on the gum tissue
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

Treatment of Tooth Abscess

A tooth abscess is absolutely a dental emergency. The faster you can get to your dentist, the easier treatment will be. There are a number of treatment options for a tooth abscess, depending on the severity of the infection.

Antibiotics: If an abscess is caught early, your dentist may prescribe a round of antibiotics that can clear up the infection and prevent further infection.

Draining: Your dentist may also opt to drain the abscess to clean out the pus and bacteria by making a small incision in the gum tissue. They may also debride the area and irrigate it with saline.

Root Canal Therapy: Another option to clear infection is with a root canal, usually done by an endodontist. This procedure removes the nerve and tissues within the root of the tooth to clean out the infection. Once the infection is cleared, the tooth is restored with a dental crown.

Extraction: Sometimes, the tooth cannot be saved and the only way to heal the infection is by removing the affected tooth. If it is removed, the placement of a dental implant may be considered.

A tooth abscess will not heal on its own. It is very important to seek treatment as soon as you notice any symptoms before the infection can spread. Most dental offices save time in the schedule every day for dental emergencies so call them right away. Even if it is after hours or over a weekend, call the office to get the after hours phone number. Your dentist might be able to see you or even call in an antibiotic to at least start treating the infection until they can see you for an evaluation to determine the next step.

Can a Tooth Abscess Heal