What is an Abscess?

Did you know that a dental abscess is one of the most common dental emergencies?

But what is a dental abscess?

Let’s find out.

Dental Abscess – Overview

A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that occurs inside your mouth and can affect your tooth, gum, or jawbone. The bacteria in the oral cavity can infect the internal parts of the tooth, such as the dental pulp, and form pus that needs medical intervention.

A dental abscess is often a result of improper oral hygiene, a diet rich in sugar, and untreated dental cavities.

Symptoms of a Dental Abscess

Individuals who develop a dental abscess likely experience the following symptoms;

• Shooting or throbbing toothache that worsens when lying down,
• Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures and sweet taste,
• Bitter taste in the mouth,
• Discomfort while biting or chewing,
• Swelling of the face or the cheek and swollen lymph nodes in the jaw or neck.

Treatments for Dental Abscess

Getting treatment for a dental abscess is essential. However, the treatment you receive depends on the severity of the problem.

Dental abscesses are typically treated with the use of antibiotics and a root canal treatment to remove the pus and decayed material. In some cases, the dentist may also recommend draining the pus with the help of a small incision.

In case of a more severe dental abscess that also affects your gums, your dentist may recommend a dental extraction.

What to Do if You Think You Have a Dental Abscess?

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kate Wilson right away. Following a complete examination of your oral cavity and the diagnosis of the severity of your abscess, she will recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.

Get in touch with us to learn more about periodontics, dental extractions, and more.