Have you ever suffered from horrible tooth pain that is highly uncomfortable and makes you clench due to unbearable pain? It can likely be due to a dental abscess. The pain caused by dental abscesses is very sharp, and the patient needs an out-of-hours dentist right away at any cost to soothe the pain and give some relief. Let’s have a detailed look at what is a dental abscess and when you need to rush to the nearest dentist.
What is a Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess generally forms as a result of a bacterial infection that is left untreated. It is a pocket of pus that is formed in your mouth, causing you constant pain that may even grow to reach your ear and neck.
A dental abscess is generally classified into two types based on its location. If it is formed at the tip of the tooth root, then it is called a periapical abscess. On the other hand, if the abscess is in the gums, near the tooth, dentists call it a periodontal abscess.
The bacteria enter the soft inner part of the tooth, called the tooth pulp, which consists of connective tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. Usually, it is a cavity that serves as a path for bacteria to enter the tooth and cause an abscess.
Symptoms of Dental Abscess
You should be aware of some of the common symptoms of a dental abscess so that you can watch for them, and whenever you observe any of them, rush to the nearest dentist. Emergency dentist in Liverpool, London, Birmingham, or anywhere else in the UK is the only right person who can address your dental abscess and prescribe you the relevant treatment. Some of the symptoms of dental abscess are;
- Swelling or redness in the face
- Fever
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Bad breath
- Pain worsens when you lie down
- Sensitive teeth
- Loose or discoloured teeth
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Swollen or red gums
- Tender or swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in the neck
- Pain that radiates to your jaw, ear and neck
If you come across any of these symptoms, you must get checked by the dentist immediately to rule out the root cause and provide you with treatment.
When does it become an emergency?
A dental abscess is a serious medical condition and should never be taken for granted, as it can worsen very rapidly and cause serious consequences. Whenever you feel a sharp or throbbing pain, high fever, facial swelling, difficulty chewing and swallowing, or rapid heart rate, this would be considered a dental emergency. It is recommended to rush to the nearest dentist without any delay.
How will a dentist treat Dental Abscess?
When treating a dental abscess, a dentist focuses on clearing the infection and providing you with pain relief. While it depends on the severity of your dental abscess and how far it has spread, some of the treatments may include;
- Draining - The dentist will cut into the abscess to drain the pus and provide you immediate pain relief.
- Root Canal - After drawing the abscess, the infected pulp from your tooth is removed. The pulp chamber will then be filled and sealed, and the tooth crown will be fitted on the top.
- Tooth Extraction - If your tooth is severely damaged and can’t be repaired, the dentist may need to extract your tooth before the pus is drained.
- Antibiotics - If the infection has spread to other areas of your mouth, your dentist will prescribe antibiotics to help treat the infection.
Wrapping up
If correct and timely treatment is provided, a dental abscess can clear up within a few days. It is better to get it treated before it infects other parts of your mouth and becomes uncontrollable. If you ever suffer from a dental abscess or other tooth-related issues and find it difficult to get an appointment, you can try Emerdency. We have created a platform for suffering patients to connect them with their nearest and most competent dentists.
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