What Is Dental Abscess?
Posted on 3/20/2023 by Barbara Ketchum |
 A dental abscess is a buildup of pus that occurs due to bacterial infection. It can develop in the gums, the tip of the teeth roots, and the bone supporting the teeth. When you ignore proper oral hygiene, plaque will likely build up along the gum line and around the teeth. If not treated, plaque can spread in the gums or soft tissues of the teeth, causing an abscess. Unfortunately, a dental abscess does not go away on its own. If ignored, the infection can spread to the head, neck, and jaws.
Causes of Dental Abscess
In most cases, an abscess occurs when there is an opening that allows bacteria to enter into the surrounding tissues of the teeth, causing infection. For instance, tooth decay results from the destruction of tooth enamel. This exposes the inner soft tissues, making the tooth susceptible to infections.
Gum disease is another cause of a dental abscess. This oral issue involves infection and inflammation of the gums. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, it gives bacteria access to deeper tooth tissues, resulting in a tooth abscess.
Signs and Symptoms of Dental Abscess
The early signs of tooth abscess involve pain around the tooth. The pain can be throbbing, sharp, or continuous, especially when you put pressure on the tooth. You might also experience pain in the jaws, ears, or neck. Besides, if you notice a pimple-like bump on your gum, chances are you have a dental abscess. Other signs of dental abscess involve swelling and redness of the gum, bad taste, sensitivity to hot and cold, and bad breath.
Treatment for Dental Abscess
As you are aware, a dental abscess cannot resolve on its own. That's why it is advisable to seek professional help as soon as you notice the above symptoms. A professional will develop a treatment plan depending on the cause of the issue. In most cases, the dentist may recommend root canal treatment to remove the abscess. Also, scaling and planing may be used to clean the periodontal pockets and prevent future infections. Contact us if you suspect that you have a dental abscess. Our professionals will remove the infection to prevent complications.
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