A tooth abscess is a sign your body is fighting an infection. Usually, when a tooth abscess forms in the gum tissue, it means you’re dealing with a large cavity, a tooth infection, or even gum disease.
Seeking treatment for a dental abscess is imperative. Left alone, the issue can get much worse and even spread to other tissues of your body, such as the jaw bone.
But do you need emergency dental care for a tooth abscess, or will a regular appointment do? Keep reading to find out.
A tooth abscess is almost always considered a dental emergency, usually because it also presents with additional symptoms that can be quite uncomfortable.
An abscess forms when bacteria from a tooth infection spread to the gum tissue, though gum disease may also cause abscesses. They are like small pimples filled with pus, which may drain on their own or require a dentist’s intervention.
If you spot an abscess, it’s best to reach out to Mount Holly, NC dentist, Dr. Koneru, as soon as possible for the appropriate treatment. Infections don’t remain localized at the site where they first emerge. With time, they can spread to surrounding tissues, such as the gums, cheeks, or even the throat.
With time, the infection can even cause sepsis, a life-threatening condition that presents with a high fever and convulsions.
Signs you may be dealing with a tooth abscess can include:
Dr. Koneru will first conduct an oral health assessment to determine what caused the abscess and to decide on the most appropriate treatment.
If the abscess can be drained, a small incision is made into the abscess to allow the pus inside to drain. Other times, the abscess may be left to rupture on its own.
You may be prescribed antibiotic treatment to help fight the infection, especially if the root cause can’t be fully addressed through dental interventions. For example, an infected tooth is usually treated through a root canal, which involves removing all the infected pulp.
In severe cases, the patient may require multiple sessions to clean and disinfect the tooth and follow antibiotic treatment between them to control the infection.
A dental abscess is a sign you need dental care as soon as possible, no matter if you’re experiencing other symptoms or not.
Even if you’re not sure you have a dental emergency, call Dr. Koneru at (704) 703-3393 anyway. Based on a short consultation, he can make an appropriate recommendation that can help you restore your oral health.
If you need a regular appointment, you can schedule your visit online.
