Tooth
Abscess Treatment
A tooth abscess, sometimes referred to as a dental abscess, forms when a collection of pus accumulates in a tooth due to a bacterial infection.
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What is a
Tooth Abscess?
Dental abscess formation occurs when a tooth becomes infected and filled with pus. Most often, it’s caused by tooth decay or a chipped or broken tooth. When a tooth is infected, pus collects inside the tooth and causes swelling and pain. A dental abscess will not heal by itself. It requires medical treatment by a dentist, who may have to perform surgery or prescribe antibiotics. If left untreated, the dental infection could spread into other parts of your body and lead to more severe health problems.
If you’re suffering from an infected or abscessed tooth, it’s crucial to get help as soon as possible. At Ellen Stirling Dental, we offer an array of services designed for patients in need of dental emergency care for dental issues such as an infected tooth or abscessed tooth.
Benefits of
Treating Abscess Immediately
The pain from a dental abscess can be excruciating and can prevent a patient from eating properly. Even if the pain from a tooth abscess is tolerable, you should see a dentist as soon as possible to avoid further damage and dangerous complications like tooth loss and infection in other parts of your body.
It’s critical to see a dentist if you have an abscessed tooth. You should still have your dentist examine and clean the area even if it’s already ruptured to prevent the infection from spreading. An untreated infection can spread to other regions in your head and neck, including your jawbone, sinuses, and brain. In rare cases, it can also lead to sepsis, a life-threatening complication.
Why Choose
Ellen Stirling Dental
for Urgent Treatment of Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a serious dental health condition that requires immediate dental treatment. If you are experiencing severe pain, swelling, or fever, please call us at (08) 6192 1036, and we will provide the best possible care for you.
Our dentists are experienced in treating dental abscesses, so you can rest assured that we will provide you with the best care possible. We know how painful it is to have an abscess, which is why we work hard to get you feeling better as soon as possible. You can trust us with your smile!
At Ellen Stirling Dental, we understand how important it is for you to receive prompt medical attention when dealing with an emergency such as a dental abscess. That’s why we offer flexible hours so that no matter what time of day it may be, we can help take care of your needs right away! Our friendly staff will go above and beyond to ensure that all your questions are answered and that you feel comfortable throughout the entire process, from start to finish.
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FAQ'S About Tooth Abscess
What causes an abscessed tooth?
A dental abscess formation is caused by bacteria getting into your teeth or gums. There are several ways bacteria can get into your teeth or gums:
Periapical Abscess: A periapical abscess develops at the root of a tooth. Bacteria can enter the pulp of your teeth through cavities, cracks, or chips. The pulp is the soft, inner part of your teeth and consists of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. Bacteria can pass from the pulp down to the roots of the tooth, causing an abscess.
Periodontal Abscess: A patient with periodontal disease, an advanced stage of gum disease that leads to permanent bone loss, is more likely to develop a periodontal abscess. This type is primarily caused by gum disease. However, it can also be caused by an injury.
A periodontal abscess is a pus-filled pocket in the gum tissue that develops over time. This abscess is characterized by a shiny, smooth swelling that protrudes from the gums and is sensitive to touch. Around the abscess, the tooth or teeth may feel painful or loose.
Gingival Abscess: A gingival abscess is a bacterial infection of the gums. In this condition, a painful and rapidly growing lesion develops between the gums and teeth of a patient. In most cases, a foreign material causes a gingival abscess, such as when a popcorn hull, toothpick splinter, or toothbrush bristle gets embedded in your gums.
What are the symptoms of an abscessed tooth?
Symptoms of an abscessed tooth include:
- Persistent throbbing pain
- Intensified sensitivity of teeth to hot or cold foods and beverages
- Intense dental pain when biting or chewing
- Bad breath due to the infection
- Swollen gums or face
- Bleeding gums
- Loose tooth
- Discoloured tooth
- A pimple-like bump on your gums
- Dental pain that spreads to your ear, jaw, or neck
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or under the jaw
- A bad taste in the mouth as a result of the pus
How can an abscessed tooth be diagnosed?
To diagnose whether you have an abscessed tooth, your dentist will perform the following:
- Examine your teeth and tap them. If you have a tooth abscess, you will feel pain when they tap on the affected tooth.
- Take an x-ray. An x-ray can show your dentist if you have a tooth abscess and if it has spread.
What is the treatment for an abscess?
The form of treatment for an abscess depends on the type and severity of infection:
Draining the abscess: The type of drainage procedure used to drain a dental abscess depends on the type of abscess you have. Applying mild pressure to the area may help to release the pus.
After the fluid drainage, your dentist will scrape the remaining contaminated debris inside the abscess with a tiny probe. In other circumstances, your dentist will drain the pus by making a small abscess incision. They will then clean the abscess cavity with a saline solution.
Root canal therapy: Root canal therapy is often used to treat periapical abscesses. A root canal therapy is a dental procedure that involves drilling into a tooth to drain an abscess and remove any infected pulp. The pulp chamber, which contains the pulp, and the root canal are then filled and sealed. Your dentist may also place a crown to protect your teeth. A crown is often placed during a second appointment.
Tooth extraction: Tooth extraction might be necessary if the abscessed tooth can’t be saved. A local anaesthetic is used during a tooth extraction. Once the affected tooth has been extracted, your dentist will cover the socket with sterile gauze. Stitches may be required. After the extraction site has completed the healing process, a dental implant can be inserted.
Foreign material removal: In the case of an abscess that arises due to a foreign matter in your gums, your dentist will remove this object. This might include a popcorn kernel, a toothpick splinter, or even a toothbrush bristle. Afterwards, they will wash the area with a saline solution.
Antibiotic therapy: Your dentist may prescribe oral antibiotics to help clear the infection if it has spread beyond the abscess area or if you have a weakened immune system. However, antibiotic therapy on its own without surgical drainage of the abscess is rarely effective.
How to prevent an abscessed tooth?
It is essential to observe proper oral hygiene and maintain good dental health to reduce the likelihood of developing a tooth abscess. To keep healthy teeth and gums, you can follow the health tips below:
- Brush your teeth at least two times a day with fluoride toothpaste. You could use a regular toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. Using an interdental toothbrush at least once a day is recommended.
- Floss daily.
- To prevent plaque buildup and tooth decay, rinse your mouth with fluoride or antiseptic mouthwash every day.
- Replace your toothbrush regularly, preferably every 3 to 4 months.
- Foods and drinks high in sugar content should not be consumed as snacks between meals or immediately before bed. If possible, brush your teeth right after consuming foods and beverages high in sugar or starch.
- It is recommended that you visit your dentist regularly every six months for a dental examination, routine teeth cleaning, and x-ray.
What happens if you don’t treat an abscessed tooth?
If an abscessed tooth is not treated by a dentist, severe infection can spread to other parts of your body, including the jaw, head, or neck. It can lead to tooth loss and dangerous complications such as bone infection, sinus infection, brain abscess, or sepsis.