A toothache might seem like a minor annoyance at first, but if the infection becomes too advanced, it could spread to other parts of your body and even threaten your life. Getting treatment from the dentist could be the only way to protect your health and save the rest of your smile – even if it means losing one of your pearly whites. Read on to learn more about how your dentist deals with a tooth abscess.
What is a Tooth Abscess, and How Will You Know You Have One?
If an infection in your tooth is left untreated for too long, it’ll eventually create a pocket of pus known as a tooth abscess. Symptoms of an abscess include:
- A persistent and severe toothache that can radiate to the jaw or neck
- Pain when chewing or when consuming particularly hot or cold foods and beverages
- Fever
- Swelling in the face or swollen lymph nodes under the jaw
- Difficulty breathing and swallowing
- A bad tasting, salty fluid in the mouth
A tooth abscess is an emergency, and you need to call your dentist right away if you think you have one; waiting will only make the problem even worse over time.
How Will Your Dentist Treat a Tooth Abscess?
First, the dentist will need to diagnose the problem. In additional to a visual examination, they may tap the tooth to check for sensitivity. They’ll likely use an X-ray or a CT scan to assess the extent of the damage.
Depending on how far the infection has already spread, there are a few different ways for a tooth abscess to be treated, such as:
- Draining the Abscess: A small incision is made in the abscess so that the pus can drain out. The area is then washed with saline. This is a key step for treating the abscess no matter what other procedures are required.
- Root Canal: If the tooth can still be saved, a root canal can be performed to remove the infection. Afterwards a crown may be placed to protect the tooth.
- Tooth Extraction: Sometimes the infection has already done too much damage and there’s not enough tooth left to be worth preserving. At that point, the only choice is to remove the tooth altogether.
- Antibiotics: If the infection has already reached nearby teeth or the jaw, antibiotics might be prescribed to stop it from spreading any further. You may also need antibiotics if your immune system is particularly weak and wouldn’t be able to fight off the bacteria by itself.
To make sure you get the treatment you need, tell your dentist about all of your symptoms and make a list of any medications you’re already taking; don’t forget to ask any questions you have about the process. When it comes to saving your health and relieving your pain, it pays to be proactive!
About the Author
Dr. Charles Walker graduated from the San Francisco School of Dentistry in 1987; since that time, he has kept up to date with the latest advancements in the dental industry so that he can always give his patients the best smiles possible. If you have a tooth abscess or another emergency, he’ll get you the care you need as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment at his practice in Salt Lake City, Confident Brilliant Smiles, visit his website or call (801) 467-6886.