What Is an Abscessed Tooth?
An abscessed tooth. Maybe you came across the phrase online during some research, or maybe you heard your dentist mention the term, but you’re still not quite sure what it is or what it means for your health. We’re here to clear up any mystery around it so you can be in the know and plan what’s best for your dental wellness.
The Basics
When you get a bacterial infection in your tooth, it can lead to the formation of a pocket of pus. This pocket is what’s referred to as a dental abscess or abscessed tooth. This abscess can appear in different areas, including at the tooth’s root or on the gums. The bacterial infection could come from bacteria entering through a cavity, gum disease, or some foreign body getting stuck in your gums (think of a hard popcorn hull for example).
People who are suffering with an abscessed tooth often feel a throbbing pain near the area that can then move to the jaw, ear, or neck. Other common symptoms include inflamed gums, facial swelling, tooth sensitivity, bad breath, and a bad taste in your mouth. An abscessed tooth can also result in a fever or swollen lymph nodes.
The Treatment
One of the main treatments for an abscessed tooth is a root canal procedure. With a root canal, a dentist can get into the infected tooth, drain the abscess, and get rid of the infection. Sometimes, if the abscessed tooth has severe enough damage, the best course of action may be to get a tooth extraction. But it’s always best to try and save the natural tooth first if possible.
At Red Oak Family Dentistry, we provide gentle root canal therapy to help those dealing with an abscessed tooth. We can help save your tooth and get you some relief! We accept emergency dentistry patients that have an abscess or any other urgent dental issue, so you don’t have to wait around in discomfort.
If you have an abscessed tooth, or you think that you might, we recommend you set up an appointment at Red Oak Family Dentistry so our expert team can perform an exam and get you any necessary treatment. It’s always better to take care of a dental problem soon rather than waiting for it to get worse! We’re here to help you every step of the way.