Dental Abscess
Though the outside of your teeth is strong enough to handle just about anything, the inside is a more delicate combination of nerves, blood vessels and tissue. When this pulp becomes infected and is left untreated for long enough, a dental abscess can form. This type of dental damage can cause extreme pain and serious health problems if ignored.
If you’re seeking professional dental abscess treatment from a Utah endodontics specialist, here are some things to know about how to identify a dental abscess and what treatment options are available to you.
What is a Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess occurs when the inside of a tooth suffers from a bacterial infection. Such infections can be caused by tooth decay, gum diseases, severe cavities and deep cracks in the tooth. When the infection is not treated, it can cause a pocket of pus to form within the tooth, creating an abscess. Where exactly the abscess occurs in the tooth is determined by the type of abscess.
A periodontal abscess will form in the gums or bone near the root of the tooth, while a periapical abscess will form around the root itself. If an infection has progressed to the point of an abscess, dental abscess treatment becomes the only option to save the tooth. If treatment is ignored, the infection could worsen and spread throughout the body.
Here are some warning signs of a tooth abscess:
- Severe pain in the tooth and jaw, often also extending down to the neck or up to the ear
- Bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth
- Soreness when chewing or biting
- Fever
- Swelling in the lymph nodes, gums, face or cheeks
- Discoloration of the affected tooth
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Sensitivity to cold or hot food and drink
- If the abscess ruptures you may experience a sudden relief in tooth pain accompanied by a gushing liquid in the mouth that tastes and smells foul
What is a Dental Abscess?
The root cause of a dental abscess is due to infection that has gone untreated for too long. Infections can be caused by several types of dental injuries, including:
Gum Disease
Gum disease, such as gingivitis, is an infection that targets the tissues around the teeth. If allowed to exacerbate, the infection can spread further within the tooth.
Severe Tooth Decay
Also known as cavities, tooth decay is caused by permanent damage to the hard enamel of a tooth, resulting in small holes through which bacteria can enter the tooth.
Dental Trauma
A traumatic dental injury can occur from something as simple as getting hit in the face while playing a sport, or taking a fall headfirst. Though dental trauma may not be visible from the outside, any injury to the pulp can make it more prone to infection.
Chips, Cracks, and Breaks
The enamel that coats your teeth is resilient, but it can still be damaged enough to cause breaks and chips in a tooth. Bacteria can easily enter through these weak points and infect the pulp.
Anyone can experience an injury and/or infection serious enough to inspire a dental abscess if the circumstances are right, though some factors can put you more at risk, such as:
- Poor dental hygiene drastically increases your chance of developing tooth decay and gum disease, which can eventually lead to an infection requiring dental abscess treatment. Brush your teeth twice per day and floss at least once per day to keep your teeth healthy.
- High sugar diets can be extremely harmful to your dental health, causing cavities and tooth decay that could progress into a dental abscess if not looked after.
- A chronic dry mouth is inconvenient, but it can also lead to the development of tooth decay and dental abscesses. This condition is most often caused by aging, medication side effects, or simply not drinking enough water on a daily basis.
- Smoking can lead to a higher amount of tooth infections and other dental issues.
Ignoring signs of infection puts you at high risk to develop a dental abscess. If you suspect an infection due to any type of dental damage, schedule a thorough dental examination immediately.
Request An Appointment
Request An Appointment
Greater Endodontics Industry Leading Endodontists In Utah
Specialized ServicesHighly Trained Endodontists
Endodontists focus on saving your natural tooth, whenever possible.
Compassionate Care Relaxed Environment
Our team is dedicated to patient comfort, no matter how challenging the procedure.
Advanced Treatments Cutting Edge Techniques
Our Endodontists remain at the forefront of emerging research and technologies to ensure the best care possible to our patients.
Our expert endodontists are dedicated to patient comfort, accurate diagnosis and lasting results. Look what our patients have to say about us.
How to Prevent a Dental Abscess
The best way to prevent a dental abscess is to prevent any sort of tooth decay or infection from happening in the first place. Practice good dental hygiene daily, consider using an antiseptic or fluoride mouth wash in addition to your normal brushing and flossing, eat healthy food with limited sugar intake, replace your toothbrush routinely (around every three months), and schedule regular appointments for dental checkups and cleanings.
Dental Abscess Treatment Options
When it comes to a dental abscess, there really is only one option. Dental abscess treatment is the sole way to ensure the safety of both the tooth and your overall health. Even if the abscess ruptures and the pain decreases, the situation won’t resolve on its own. Abscesses can form into widespread infections if not professionally drained and treated, leading to life-threatening illnesses such as sepsis. To remove the infection, treatment may involve:
- The prescription of antibiotics if the abscess is caught early enough and infection is contained within the affected area. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent infection from spreading
- Draining the abscess through a small cut to allow the pus to drain out. The area is then washed with salt water to thoroughly clean the wound
- Pulling the infected tooth if it cannot be saved
- A root canal to remove the diseased tissue, drain the abscess and save the tooth. This process is more extreme but can be a permanent solution for the tooth if cared for properly after the treatment
Greater Endodontics Dental Abscess Treatment in Utah
At Greater Endodontics, our endodontists are highly skilled and trained to provide professional care in dental emergencies and traumas like a dental abscess. Our combination of advanced technologies, training, diagnoses and specialized techniques allow us to treat our patients with unsurpassed care and comfort, all in a timely manner. If you are in search of immediate care for a dental abscess, contact us today.
Call Now
Request An Appointment
Request An Appointment
Greater Endodontics Specialized Services
Our expert team of endodontists provides premium dental care for Utah residents. Using modern techniques and technologies, we offer restorative, cosmetic, and surgical procedures. We have a variety of sedation options, ensuring you a comfortable, pain-free experience. With leading experts in the endodontic field, and our expert training and diagnosis procedures, we treat patients with unsurpassed care and comfort.
Costs & Payment Plans
In addition to working with most major dental insurance companies, we are priced competitively and believe we have the best service values in the area. We also offer interest-free payment plans for up to 12 months. Simply fill out the Care Credit application HERE.
Insurance We Accept
We have developed a working relationship with almost every insurance company, and we are the best in our class. We are a preferred provider for over 20 different insurance companies. Chances are, we are the right fit for you and can meet your insurance needs.
