An abscess contains pus fluid that builds up around the root of the infected tooth. It can occur at any age. If your tooth has an abscess, be aware that the tooth abscess is not treated itself, and you should visit the emergency dentist. If the tooth abscess remains untreated, the infection may spread from the jaw to other areas of your body, including your head and neck.
Cause of Dental Abscess
The outer surface of the tooth is stiff, but the inner part of the tooth, which is composed of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels, can sometimes become infected. The most common causes of tooth infection are:
-A deep hole or tooth decay
-Gum disease or periodontal disease
-Tooth cracking
An untreated infection destroys the tooth and creates an abscess. In general, the most common types of abscesses are:
-Periapical abscess, which occurs at the root of the tooth;
-Periodontal abscess, which affects the adjacent bone of the tooth.Keep in mind that there may be more than one abscess in the mouth or one abscess passing through the bone and slipping out. But every abscess is only for one tooth.
Symptoms of Dental Abscess
The symptoms of a dental abscess include: the pain, inflation and swelling, gum redness, feeling unpleasant taste in the mouth, feeling pain when chewing, jaw pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty breathing or swallowing.Sometimes the abscess causes a sebaceous bulge on the gum that, if pressed, the pus fluid will be removed. This is one of the most prominent signs of dental abscess.
Treatment of Dental Abscess
The primary purpose of tooth abscess treatment is to remove the infection. Therefore, the emergency dentist will take one of the following methods in the emergency dental clinic:
-Antibiotics: If the infection has spread from the abscess to the jaw or other parts of the body, antibiotics are usually prescribed. Antibiotics will eliminate the infection, but they are not a complete cure for the abscess.
-Tooth Extraction: If there is not any way except for tooth extraction, the tooth must be extracted.
-Root Canal Therapy: Root canal therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat abscesses. In the root canal procedure, the tooth is punctured, and the emergency dentist drains all the infection. In this case, the restored tooth will not only look the same but function as the other teeth.
-Surgery: Periodontal abscess drainage may require surgery.
Remember that if the abscess breaks, your pain will decrease, but you still need to visit the emergency dentist for treatment.
Dental Abscess Prevention Strategies
To avoid dental abscesses, just try to follow the following recommendations for maintaining your dental health:
-Do not forget your regular dental checkups and tooth cleaner.
-Brush your teeth with a fluoride-containing toothbrush twice a day for two minutes.
-Use dental floss daily to clean out areas of the tooth and gum that are not accessible to the brushing.
-Visit the emergency dentist if your tooth is loose or cracked.
-Minimize snacks, junk food, and sugary drinks. Sweets and drinks can cause tooth piercing and create abscesses.
