Everything You Need to Know About Dental Abscess

No one wants to suffer from teetDental Clinich or gums problems, but unfortunately, it happens to the best of us. Although oral issues are largely preventable and can be treated at home, some problems are much more severe and require emergency dental care.

Among the various oral problems you can have, a dental abscess is perhaps one of the most troublesome of them all.

What Is a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess refers to the collection of pus formed inside the teeth, gums, or bone holding the tooth in place. An abscessed tooth can cause moderate to severe pain, which could reach your ear or neck.

Dental abscesses vary depending on the type of location. The three most common types of dental abscess are:

Periapical Abscess

The periapical abscess forms at the tip of the root, which develops when the bacteria invade the dental pulp or the tooth’s innermost part containing blood vessels, connective tissue and nerves.

Periodontal Abscess

Periodontal or gum abscess refers to the pocket of pus growing in the gum’s tissues,  which starts in bone and tissues supporting the tooth. The inflammation looks like a red ball pushing out of the area—it may seem like just a tiny inflammation, but it is a serious oral disease that can lead to severe problems later on.

Gingival Abscess

This infection develops only in the gum tissue. Unlike the other two abscesses, a gingival abscess doesn’t affect the tooth or its supporting structures.

Causes of Dental Abscess

Abscesses usually form because of a dental infection. People who smoke often, have dry mouths, poor dental hygiene, and weakened immune system are more likely to develop a tooth infection. The teeth and gums become infected most often because of tooth decay, periodontal disease, and a cracked tooth.

If you feel like you’re at risk of getting a dental abscess, perform the necessary practices to prevent it, but you can’t be too sure whether it’s too late or not. As such, consult a dentist about your oral health concerns just to be safe.

Symptoms of Dental Abscess

A dental abscess usually makes the area around the tooth hurt and cause sharp, throbbing pain, but this isn’t always the case. Aside from the pain, a dental abscess may also lead to the following symptoms:

  • Sensitivity to extreme temperatures
  • Puffy gums
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Bad taste
  • Trouble breathing or swallowing
  • Gum redness
  • Fever
  • Swelling

What to Do With Your Abscess

If you have any signs or symptoms of a dental abscess, make sure to seek emergency dental care immediately, especially if you have a fever and swelling in your face. Don’t attempt to figure this problem out independently, as abscesses aren’t something a non-professional can handle.

Don’t risk your life—you can’t be too sure whether the infection has spread deeper into your jaw and other areas of your body. Always take dental abscesses seriously and schedule an appointment with a dentist so that they can treat them.

Conclusion

Dental abscesses are no simple problem—they are a serious infection that could lead to dangerous situations! Make sure to contact a family dental clinic right away or to seek emergency dental care if needed.

Are you looking for a dentist’s office near Rabbit Hill Road to address your dental concern? Then, Dental Clinic Home of Smiles may just be the right place for you! Our team aims to provide personalized dental treatments for patients of all ages, ensuring comfort and convenience. Request an appointment today!