Is a Dental Abscess an Emergency?
A tooth abscess is one of the most common reasons a patient received emergency dental treatment. Patients who neglect to promptly treat an abscess can experience serious issues. The following article will review common signs associated with an infection and symptoms of a tooth abscess.
Unfortunately, tooth abscesses are often extremely painful and are considered to be a dental emergency. Abscesses are a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. Patients often have pain and swelling in the area of the abscess as the root contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, making it highly sensitive. The abscess will not go away on its own and requires treatment from a dentist. The actual infection is located within or around the tooth’s root.
In most cases, a tooth abscess is from damage or severe decay. This can stem from a chipped or broken tooth that eventually becomes infected. Over time, the enamel starts to wear down which can allow harmful bacteria to enter the tooth. Other causes for an abscess can include cavities or gum disease. It is possible for the infection to spread to other parts of the mouth and body. The infection can even result in the loss of the tooth
Signs and Symptoms
Patients should seek treatment for an abscess as soon as possible. An untreated abscess can result in serious consequences including tooth loss and additional infection. Signs commonly associated with a tooth abscess are listed below:
1. Fever
2. Toothache or severe pain
3. Swollen or red gums
4. Swelling of the neck or jaw
5. Sensitivity to hot, cold, and sugary food and drinks
6. Drainage from the abscess into the mouth with a foul tasting liquid
7. Bad breath
The treatments listed below are often used to treat a tooth abscess.
Drain
A highly effective treatment used for an abscess is to drain the infection. This procedure involves the dentist making a small incision directly in the abscess, allowing for the pus to drain out. A saline solution can be used to clean out the abscess in addition to removing damaged or dead tissue.
Root Canal
A root canal is another common procedure used to treat an abscess. During this procedure, the dentist or endodontist removes the nerve, arteries and vein within the root. Root canals effectively remove the infection and aid in preserving the tooth. The dentist may also place a crown after the procedure to aid in restoring the tooth.
Antibiotics
An abscess can’t always be drained. Serious infections can also make local anesthetics less effective. This makes it more challenging for the dentist to numb the area. Infection which is present in the lower molars can be quite challenging to numb. The dentist may prescribe an antibiotic before or after treatment to help treat the infection. This can also make the local anesthetic more effective.
Removal
While it is a last resort, sometimes the tooth is damaged beyond repair. In this case, extraction is necessary. All other treatment options will be exhausted prior to the removal of a tooth. In some cases removing the tooth is the only realistic option. There are excellent tooth-replacement solutions, such as dental implants, which can restore the appearance and function of the missing tooth.
A tooth abscess is considered to be a dental emergency. Patients who think they may have a tooth abscess should follow up with their dentist right away for treatment. Abscesses which remain untreated can cause serious issues including tooth loss.