The Truth About Dental Abscesses

Though dental abscesses are often painful, they don't always need to be painful. Sometimes, they can occur without any pain. In either case, it’s important to consult a dentist because it can’t be cured naturally. In fact, without proper treatment, it can spread to other parts of your body. 

What Is a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is an infection found within the tooth or gums. Due to bacterial infection, a sore pocket filled with pus is formed inside the mouth or throat. 

There are two types of dental abscesses:

Periapical abscess - A periapical abscess is formed at the root of a tooth. It usually occurs when the decay gets deep into your nerve chamber and damages the nerve tissue. A cracked tooth, as a result of an injury, can damage this nerve. 

Periodontal abscess - A periodontal abscess is formed in the gum. Periodontal disease is a chronic gum infection that results in tooth and bone loss. Without proper treatment, the infection can spread throughout your mouth. 

Symptoms of Dental Abscess

• Fever
• Severe toothache that radiates to your jawbone and ear.
• Swelling of the gums and neck glands
• Swelling of the face
• Soreness in your neck and jaw area.
• Tooth sensitivity
• Bad breath

Treatment

First, the dentist will check your infected tooth using a dental instrument. They will check the intensity of pain and also the state of your gums. To ensure whether there’s any decay of the bone, they will take an X-ray. 

Once you are diagnosed with a dental abscess, antibiotics may be prescribed for your infection. There are different methods of treatment depending on the reason behind the abscess. 

• If it is due to a dying nerve, then a root canal is suggested. The infected tissue is cleaned out and the canals are shaped to accommodate a rubber-like seal to cover it. A crown is also placed over the tooth to prevent it from further damage. 
• If the infection has gotten into the root, the tooth is extracted and a dental implant may be placed. 
• If the abscess has occurred due to periodontal disease, scaling and root planing are recommended. It consists of deep cleaning using some special instruments. 

Prevention

• Regularly have dental checkups
• Maintain your oral health
• Reduce the intake of sugar and carbs
• Drink fluoridated water
• Reduce or stop smoking

Covington Signature Dentistry focuses on restoring your healthy smile. For more details, call us at (253) 638-9955 or visit us at 27121 174th Place SE, Suite 202, Covington, WA 98042.