Dental abscesses are a painful and potentially serious dental problem. As the infection spreads, it can affect other parts of your body.
Dental abscesses are collections of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can be extremely painful and will not go away without treatment. In the event of an abscess rupture, the pain may reduce significantly. However, you should still seek dental care. If the abscess is not drained, you may develop an infection in your jaw and other areas of your head and neck. If you have an abscessed tooth, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. Without treatment, you may end up with a severe infection. There is even a possibility that you will contract sepsis, a potentially fatal infection that spreads throughout the body.
If you suspect a dental abscess, contact Smiles in Currambine. You’ll be evaluated by one of our experienced dentists, and they will determine the best course of action for treating your infected teeth so that they’ll heal properly and not cause you any lasting damage.
Our team of emergency dentists understands the excruciating pain of dental abscesses, and we're dedicated to providing swift and effective solutions for immediate relief.
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The formation of a dental abscess is due to bacteria accumulating in the gums or teeth. Bacteria can enter your teeth and gums in several ways:
Periapical Abscess: In a periapical abscess, an infection develops at the root of the tooth. A cavity, crack, or chip can allow bacteria to enter the pulp of your teeth. Your tooth pulp is the soft, inner part of your tooth that contains nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. Bacteria can spread from pulp to roots, causing an abscess.
Periodontal Abscess: The development of a periodontal abscess is more common in patients with periodontal disease. The most common cause of a periodontal abscess is gum disease. Occasionally, injuries are also to blame. Periodontal abscesses are pus-filled pockets that develop in the gum tissue over time. The abscess appears as a smooth, shiny, pimple-like swelling that protrudes from the gums and is sensitive to touch. The tooth or teeth surrounding an abscess may be painful or loose.
Gingival Abscess: An abscess of the gums is caused by a bacterial infection. The condition is characterized by a painful and rapidly growing lesion between a patient’s gums and teeth. Foreign materials, such as popcorn hulls, toothpick splinters, or toothbrush bristles, tend to cause gingival abscesses.
Among the signs and symptoms of a dental abscess are:
throbbing pain that doesn’t subside
pimple-like bumps on the gums
increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks
severe pain when biting or chewing
swollen or bleeding gums
loose teeth
tooth discolouration
toothache that spreads to the ear, jaw, or neck
bad breath and a foul taste in the mouth as a result of the pus
a swollen face
While it is essential to see your dentist when you have a dental abscess, the following home remedies can reduce the pain caused by the infection:
Saltwater Rinse: Rinsing with saltwater can provide temporary relief from an abscessed tooth. Combine half a teaspoon of salt with half a cup of warm water. Swirl it around in your mouth for at least two minutes, then spit it out. It is recommended that you do this up to three times a day.
Cold Compress: To relieve the pain and swelling, apply a cold compress. Wrap ice cubes in a dry towel and place the compress against the affected area. Apply the compress for 15 minutes at a time. Repeat as necessary.
Garlic: Garlic is a natural remedy with a long history of medicinal benefits, including as a pain reliever and bacteria killer. Prepare a paste by crushing fresh cloves of garlic. Apply the paste to the infected area.
Hydrogen Peroxide: The antimicrobial properties of hydrogen peroxide make it an effective remedy for bacterial infections. Moreover, it can reduce plaque buildup and bleeding gums. Combine 3% hydrogen peroxide with water. Gargle with the solution and spit it out. Do not swallow any of the solution.
Baking Soda: Baking soda has antibacterial properties and helps remove plaque in the mouth. Combine 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda with 1/2 cup of water and a pinch of salt. Swish it around in your mouth for five minutes. Spit it out and repeat until you have used all the mixture. Do this up to two times a day.
Over-the-counter Pain Relievers: You can take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and acetaminophen (Tylenol) for inflammation and pain management.
Call Smiles in Currambine at (08) 9305 4888 to schedule a consultation so we can help you determine if you need cosmetic treatment.
Depending on the type and severity of infection, abscesses require different types of treatment:
Abscess Drainage: How an abscess is drained depends on the type of abscess you have. Gently pressing on the abscess may help release pus. Once the contaminated fluid has been drained, your dentist will use a tiny probe to scrape out any remaining debris. Alternatively, your dentist may drain the pus by making a small incision in the abscess. The abscess cavity will then be cleaned with a saline solution.
Root Canal Therapy: Periapical abscesses are often treated with root canal therapy. The root canal therapy procedure involves drilling into a tooth to remove any infected pulp and drain an abscess. Once the abscess is drained, the root canal and pulp chamber are filled and sealed. If necessary, a crown may also be recommended.
Tooth Extraction: If the abscessed tooth cannot be saved, it might be necessary to extract it. An extraction may involve the use of a local anaesthetic. Your dentist will place sterile gauze in the socket after the infected tooth has been extracted. Stitches may be necessary.
Removal of Foreign Objects: Your dentist may remove foreign objects from your gums if they cause an abscess. It could be a popcorn kernel, a toothpick splinter, or even a toothbrush bristle. Then, a saline solution will be applied to the affected area.
A severe infection can spread to other regions of your body if an abscessed tooth is not treated by a dentist. It can cause tooth loss and serious complications such as bone infections, sinus infections, brain abscesses, and sepsis.
If you think you may have an infection or are worried you might have one, never ignore it or delay treatment. Consult your dentist right away because the infection can spread and cause serious complications and further damage. Do not attempt to pop an abscess by yourself.
If you suspect an abscess or are experiencing severe tooth pain, don’t hesitate to seek professional care. Book your consultation now to receive prompt abscess treatment and restore your dental health.
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