Is a Dental Abscess an Emergency
A dental abscess can be very painful, affecting quality of life and even the overall health of the patient. An abscess is a pus-filled sac that typically develops next to the affected tooth or at the tip of the root. It requires immediate attention and absolutely qualifies as a dental emergency.
When a tooth has a fracture or decay through which bacteria can enter the innermost part of the tooth, the pulp, an infection can develop and form an abscess. Infection from an untreated abscess can spread into the jaw, sinuses, and even into the bloodstream. Understanding the signs and symptoms of infection and tooth abscess can help you to avoid severe or long-term health problems.
How do I know if I have a dental abscess?
Pain is always an indicator that something is wrong. Other symptoms that may indicate that you have a tooth abscess include:
- Pain, redness, and swelling in the gums
- Swelling in the jaw
- Sensitivity to hot and cold, sugar, and acids
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Fever
- A pimple-like sore on the gum tissue
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that does not resolve with oral hygiene
How is a tooth abscess treated?
If you suspect an abscess, the sooner you see your dentist, the easier treatment will be. Sometimes, the abscess will rupture and you could experience pain relief but without treatment, the sac will refill and you will be back at square one! There are a number of treatment options that may be utilized, depending on the severity of the infection.
Antibiotics: Caught early, your dentist may prescribe a round of antibiotics that can clear up the infection and prevent it from spreading.
Draining the abscess: Draining the abscess cleans out the pus and bacteria by making a small incision in the gum tissue to debride the area and irrigate it with saline.
Root Canal Therapy: A root canal removes the nerve and tissues (pulp) within the root of the tooth to clean out the infection. Once the infection is cleared, the tooth is restored with a dental crown to maintain the strength and integrity of the tooth.
Extraction: If your dentist determines that the tooth is hopeless and cannot be saved, extracting the tooth may be the only way to clear up the infection and prevent further damage.
A tooth abscess will not heal without medical intervention, making it important to seek treatment as soon as you notice any symptoms. The infection will only get worse and can potentially enter the bloodstream and cause systemic issues throughout the body. Even if the abscess ruptures and you feel that immediate rush of relief, the sac will refill and needs to be treated by a dental professional.