Abscessed Tooth Treatment

Saying that experiencing an abscessed tooth is something to be avoided is an understatement. This dental condition is notorious for bringing severe pain to the unfortunate sufferer. Left untreated, an abscessed tooth can spread an infection throughout your mouth and cause the loss of teeth or other health problems.

Let’s take a closer look at this condition so that you will know how to prevent it and what is involved with an abscessed tooth treatment if you should ever need one.

If you have an infected tooth, you will definitely know it. In other words, you will probably notice that your teeth are becoming increasingly sensitive to extreme temperatures, such as when you drink something hot or cold. Moreover, you may certainly notice pain and discomfort when biting down or chewing your food.

Here are a few abscessed tooth symptoms

• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Swollen gums
• Bad breath
• Pain that can radiate to your jaw or neck area

What causes abscessed teeth?

Factors like tooth decay, tooth damage, or gum disease can lead to an abscessed tooth. Left untreated, a cavity can result in an infection to your dental pulp. The hard outer surface of your tooth is meant to protect its sensitive inner contents – soft tissues containing blood vessels and highly sensitive nerves.

If an infection reaches this area, there will be no doubt about it. You may find yourself reaching out to your dentist or local emergency room very quickly due to the pain that you will be in. 

Is a root canal procedure used to treat an abscessed tooth?

Yes. In fact, root canal procedures are commonly used to treat abscessed teeth. The process involves the delivery of a local anesthetic so that your tooth is completely numb. Next, your dentist will place a dental dam over the treatment area to isolate it.

Your dentist will then drill through the tooth to allow access for dental instruments. They will clean out the infected dental pulp and fill the resulting space with a special material. Next, a temporary filling may be placed, which will be eventually replaced by a dental crown to strengthen the tooth and prevent further damage..

Can a tooth extraction be used to treat a tooth abscess?

Although it is not the most desirable outcome, tooth extractions are often used due to abscessed teeth. The procedure itself is normally fast and quite simple. After numbing your tooth with an anesthetic, the tooth will be removed using dental forceps.

However, if there is not adequate tooth material above the gum line for your dentist to grasp onto, a simple surgical procedure will be required.

Getting Help for an Abscessed Tooth

If you have any of the symptoms of a tooth abscess, contact our emergency dentist right away so that you can receive abscessed tooth treatment and obtain prompt pain relief. Do not wait. Early intervention means that it is more likely that you can save this tooth.