According to Pediatric Dentistry Indianapolis, IN, a dental abscess means the assemblage of pus inside the tip of teeth, gums, or bone that supports teeth. A bacterial infection can cause a dental abscess or tooth abscess.
A tooth abscess can be painful or not. In any case, it should be examined by a dentist. Dental abscesses do not go away on their own, so it is essential to take care as soon as possible.
Otherwise, it can affect the other parts of the body, making you sick.
Dental abscesses are treated by a dentist who removes them and removes the infection. They can fix your teeth with the root canal, but extraction may be necessary in some cases. Untreated dental abscesses can be significant, even fatal.
Types of Dental Abscess
Pediatric Dentistry Indianapolis, IN, suggest that tooth abscess can form in different parts of the teeth. As a result, there are three possible types of tooth decay.
- Abscess in the periapical region: When pus is collected in the tip of the tooth root, it is called a periapical abscess.
- Periodontal abscess: It is a type of infection in which pus is formed in the gums. It can affect adjacent tissue and bone.
Symptoms of Dental Abscess;
Throbbing pain around the teeth or in your gums is the most common symptom of an abscess. The pain often goes unnoticed and increases over time.
Other signs and symptoms include:
- Throat pain in your ears, jaw, or neck
- Discomfort that increases after lying down.
- Hardness during eating or biting
- Hardness and redness of the face
- Red, swollen gums.
- Sensitivity of teeth
- Crooked and stained teeth.
- Stiff breath
- Bad taste in your tongue
- Fever
- Swelling in your cheeks or face
See your dentist right away if you have any signs or symptoms of dental caries.
Dental abscess causes
When germs infect the pulp of the teeth, which include the blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, dental abscesses form depending on the type of abscess; the bacteria can infect different mouth areas.
- When bacteria usually enter your toothpaste through a cavity, an abscess develops in the peripheral area.
- The periodontal abscess is a type of infection that affects the gums. This type is mainly due to gum disease; however, it can also be due to an accident.
A tooth abscess is a medical emergency
According to Pediatric Dentist Indianapolis, IN, an abscess is a dental emergency. If you have a toothache, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. Ulcers can cause infections that can spread throughout the body, with severe and even fatal consequences if left untreated. The sooner these issues are resolved, the better.
What happens if you don’t treat a dental abscess?
A tooth abscess, unlike other diseases, does not go away on its own. It needs the help of a dentist.
- An abscess, if left untreated, can spread the infection, leading to further complications and perhaps even fatal effects.
- If an abscess is not treated, it can lead to a fistula, a hollow tube that spreads from the bump through the bone or skin and allows the pus to come out. Fistula is a hole in the mouth that looks like a pimple filled with pus.
Methods for diagnosis of dental abscess
In addition to examining your teeth and surrounding area, your dentist may perform the following procedures:
Tapping Technique:
Do the tapping movement with your teeth. An abscess at the base of a tooth is usually sensitive to touch or pressure.
X-rays Technique:
An X-ray of a painful tooth can help determine if there is an abscess. Your dentist can also use x-rays to see if the infection has spread and bumps have formed elsewhere.
CT scan:
If the disease has spread to other parts of the neck, a CT scan can determine its extent.
Treatment
According to Pediatric Dentist Indianapolis, IN, treating an abscessed tooth is to get rid of the infection and relieve the discomfort. Your dentist can start with a dental x-ray depending on your symptoms. This will allow them to see if the virus has spread to other parts of the city.
Treatments vary depending on the nature and severity of your abscess:
- Your dentist will make a small incision in the abscess to remove abscess drain pus. They will then clean the area with a saline solution.
- Treatment of root canal: A root canal is a procedure that involves piercing a tooth to remove an abscess and remove any diseased pulp. The pulp chamber, which contains the pulp, and the root canal, are then filled and sealed by your dentist. They can also use crowns to strengthen your teeth. A crown is often placed on a different tour.
- Teeth extraction: If your tooth is badly injured, your dentist may recommend that you remove it before the abscess appears. If the tooth cannot be saved, your dentist can remove it and remove the abscess.
- Antibiotics: Your dentist may prescribe oral antibiotics to help clear the infection if the infection has spread beyond the abscess area or if your immune system is weak.
- Get rid of strangers: If a foreign object in your gums is the source of your abscess, your dentist will remove it. After that, they will clean the area using saline solution.
Remedies at home
Salt Water treatment:
Rinse your mouth with salt water to get some relief from the pain. This is a cheap and easy home remedy. Salt treatment is also helpful in healing wounds and improving gum health.
Use of Baking soda:
Baking soda is an effective plaque remover and plaque fighter. Make a mixture of water and baking soda, and wash your face twice a day like saltwater for 5 minutes.
Use of ice to lower the pain:
Use an ice pack to relieve the pain, or wrap a few ice cubes in a cloth. Apply the compress on the swollen area for 15 minutes. This medicine can be used several times a day. It reduces discomfort.
Prevention
Tooth abscesses should be avoided to avoid tooth decay. Take proper care of your teeth to prevent tooth decay:
- Drink water that has been fluoridated.
- Use fluoride toothpaste for brushing the teeth at least twice a day.
- Brush your teeth daily with dental floss or an interdental cleaner.
- Change your toothbrush every three to four months or as soon as the shells open.
- Eat nutritious food while avoiding sweet and salty foods between meals.
- Get frequent checkups and professional cleaning from your dentist.
- To give extra protection against tooth decay, use a disinfectant or fluoride mouthwash.