Having a dental abscess can be one of the worst pains you can experience from any tooth problem and it needs treatment as it will not go away on its own. Learn more about what a dental abscess is, the symptoms and how to treat it.
What Causes a Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess is a collection of pus which has formed a small or big lump inside a tooth, underneath the gums, or has collected in the bone which holds the teeth together. Sometimes dental abscesses do not cause any pain, but usually you will know when you have one. All dental abscesses are caused by a bacterial infection meaning your body cannot fight it on its own. If untreated, the abscess can spread the infection to other organs in the body and you can become very ill; this is why getting to the dentist as soon as you notice an abscess is extremely important. A dental abscess can begin as a regular tooth cavity and is most commonly seen in those with poor dental hygiene and those who do not visit the dentist as regularly as they should.
Symptoms of a Dental Abscess
The most obvious symptom for a dental abscess is the pain it causes. If you are experiencing pain and notice any swelling around the area in which the pain is radiating from, it is more than likely a dental abscess. You should not ignore this, and you will need to contact a dentist for an emergency appointment immediately as it will only worsen. You may also suffer with tooth sensitivity, and the jaw, mouth, and ears on the side of the abscess can all be affected as these are all interlinked.
Treating a Dental Abscess
Seeing a dentist as soon as you display any symptoms listed above will establish the cause of the abscess. You can only get rid of a dental abscess by getting rid of the bacteria causing the infection. As with any pain, whilst awaiting a dental appointment take regular painkillers from your local drugstore and avoid any drinks that are too hot or too cold. Your dentist may have to remove the root in a procedure called root canal treatment and in worse cases the whole tooth may need to be removed to treat the abscess.
If you believe you or loved one has a dental abscess, seek help from a trusted dental practitioner. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best dentist in Staten Island.