What is a Dental Abscess?

The Incredible Benefits of Treating Dental Abscess
- Pain Relieving: It can be painful to suffer from an abscess in the mouth. You may even find it difficult to eat properly due to the discomfort of not having enough food. Even though the pain from a tooth abscess is acceptable, you should see a dentist as soon as possible to avoid further damage and other complications, such as infection in other parts of your body.
- Tooth Preservation: If you treat a dental infection as soon as possible, you can save your natural teeth with a root canal treatment, which is significantly less expensive than having your tooth pulled and replaced with an artificial tooth..
- Prevent Potentially Fatal Complications: If you have an abscessed tooth, you should see a dentist as earlier as possible. Even if your abscess has ruptured, you should have your dentist evaluate and clean the area to keep the infection from spreading. If an infection is not treated, it can spread to other parts of the head and neck, including the sinuses, jawbone, and brain. In rare circumstances, sepsis, a potentially fatal consequence, can also occur.

Why Choose Smiles in Currambine for Dental Abscess Treatment in Iluka, Western Australia
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What causes a dental abscess?
An abscess in the mouth occurs due to bacteria accumulating in the gums or teeth. Bacteria can infect your teeth and gums in several ways, including the following:
Periapical Abscess: An infection develops at the root of the tooth in a periapical abscess. Bacteria can enter the pulp of your teeth through cavities, cracks, or chips. The soft, inner part of your tooth contains nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels in the pulp. Bacteria can move from the pulp to the roots, resulting in an abscess.
Periodontal Abscess: Patients with periodontal disease are more likely to develop a periodontal abscess. Gum disease is the most common cause of a periodontal abscess. Injuries are sometimes to blame as well. Periodontal abscesses are pus-filled pockets in the gum tissue that form over time. An abscess is characterized by a smooth, glossy, pimple-like swelling that protrudes from the gums and is sensitive to touch. The tooth or teeth adjacent to an abscess may be uncomfortable or loose.
Gingival Abscess: A bacterial infection is what causes a gum abscess. A painful and rapidly expanding lesion between a patient’s gums and teeth defines the condition. Gingival abscesses are commonly caused by foreign items such as popcorn hulls, toothpick splinters, or toothbrush bristles.
Q2. What are the signs and symptoms of a dental abscess?
The following are some of the signs and symptoms of a dental abscess:
- Severe pain when biting or chewing
- A throbbing pain that won’t go away
- Discolouration of teeth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages has increased
- A swollen face
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Gums with pimple-like bumps
- Bad breath and a foul taste in the mouth as a result of the pus
- A toothache that spreads to the ear, jaw, or neck
Q3. How can you relieve pain from a tooth infection or abscess?
If you have a tooth abscess, you need to see your dentist for treatment. However, the following home remedies will provide relief for the pain caused by the infection:
- Saltwater Rinse: An abscessed tooth can be temporarily relieved by rinsing with salt water. Combine half a teaspoon of salt and half a cup of warm water in a small mixing bowl. Spit it out after swirling it around in your mouth for at least two minutes. It is suggested that you repeat this process up to three times per day.
- Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce discomfort and swelling. Wrap ice cubes in a dry cloth and apply them to the affected area as a compress. For 15 minutes at a time, apply the compress. As needed, repeat the process.
- Garlic: Garlic is a natural treatment with a long history of therapeutic uses, including pain relief and bacteria elimination. Crush some fresh garlic cloves to make a paste. The paste should be applied to the affected area.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide’s antibacterial characteristics make it an efficient treatment for bacterial infections. It can also help with plaque accumulation and bleeding gums. In a mixing bowl, combine 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and water. Spit out the solution after gargling with it. No part of the solution should be swallowed.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda is antimicrobial and aids in the removal of plaque from the mouth. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 tablespoon baking soda, 1/2 cup water, and a pinch of salt. For five minutes, swish it around in your mouth. Spit it out and repeat until all of the mixtures have been utilized. Do this as many times as you like during the day.
- Pain Relievers Sold Over-The-Counter: Inflammation and pain can be managed with over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Q4. What should I expect during an appointment with the dentist for an abscessed tooth?
Abscesses are treated differently depending on the type and severity of the infection:
Drainage of Abscesses:The way an abscess is drained is determined by the type of abscess. Gently pressing on the abscess may assist with the release of pus. Your dentist will use a tiny probe to scrape out any leftover material once the contaminated fluid has been drained. Alternatively, your dentist may drain the pus from the abscess by creating a small incision. A saline solution will next be used to clear the abscess cavity.
Root Canal Therapy: Root canal treatment is widely used to treat periapical abscesses. The root canal therapy procedure involves drilling into a tooth to remove the infected pulp and drain an abscess. The root canal and pulp chamber are filled and sealed after the abscess is drained. A crown may be recommended if necessary.
Extraction of teeth: If the abscessed tooth cannot be saved, it may be necessary to extract it. A local anesthetic may be used during extraction. Your dentist will place sterile gauze in the socket after the infected tooth has been pulled. Stitches may be required.
Foreign Object Removal: If an abscess develops, your dentist may remove foreign things from your gums. It could be a popcorn kernel, a splinter from a toothpick, or a toothbrush bristle. The damaged area will next be sprayed with a saline solution.
Q5. What happens if you don't treat an abscess?
Q6. What should I not do if I have an abscess?

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If you are in pain or have any other dental emergency, please call us right away so we can try to book you in as soon as possible.

