The dangers of an untreated abscess tooth are real, folks!
An abscess means that you have an infection from bacteria brewing inside the pulp of your tooth. This is, without a doubt, a dental emergency. You’ll need quick treatment in order to prevent dangerous complications later on.
Signs and Symptoms of an Abscess
Call us immediately if you have any one of these symptoms of an abscess”
- Severe and ongoing toothache that might cause pain in other areas, such as your neck, jaw or ear
- Fever
- Difficulty chewing due to sensitivity
- Increased sensitivity to heat and cold
- Facial swelling
- Swollen lymph nodes near your jaw or neck
If you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, along with a fever, you’ll need to go to an emergency room for immediate care as there may be a chance that the infection has spread to other parts of the body.
Abscess Complications
What happens if you leave an abscess alone?
It won’t go away — it’ll just get worse.
Tooth abscesses will remain until they’re properly drained and treated. In some cases, they can rupture, which means you might suddenly have a salty, foul fluid in your mouth. While this usually eases any pain you feel, you need to see us for proper care to stop the infection.
When a tooth abscess does not rupture or drain, the bacteria causing this infection can reachÂ?other areas of your body. This typically starts with your jaw tissue and spreads to your neck, head and other parts of your body. In severe cases, this can lead to a condition called sepsis.
Treatment for a Tooth Abscess
What can you expect when you have a tooth abscess treated?
We treat the infection by draining the abscess, which involves cutting into it. The affected area is then cleaned and rinsed. Depending on other factors, such as whether or not the tooth can be saved, you might also need a root canal to help get rid of the infection while preserving your tooth.
If your tooth cannot be saved, you will need to have it pulled.
Conclusion
Preventing a tooth abscess is the best possible option for your ongoing dental health. Prevention starts with regular visits to our office, along with daily brushing and flossing.
We’re here to help you maintain your dental health every day and in those emergency situations when you can’t wait for your next regular appointment.
