Is a Dental Abscess an Emergency?
A tooth abscess will often become painful and then become a serious dental emergency. An abscess is a pocket of pus which creates bacterial infection that causes swelling and pain, demanding prompt attention. The infection can happen around the sensitive root of a tooth, or it can occur between the gum and tooth.
A tooth abscess is usually the result of tooth decay or damage, which could be from a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth that has become infected, or also a dental cavity. Untreated periodontal or gum disease can also cause an abscess to form. In more serious situations, the growing infection from the abscess will spread from the root of the tooth to your jawbone, which can then lead to tooth loss or even allow the infection to spread throughout your body.
Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Abscess
You need to have a tooth abscess treated as soon as possible to avoid the spread of the infection. Some of the warning signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess can include the following:
- A severe toothache, aching, throbbing, or sharp pain.
- Pain with or without biting or chewing.
- Increased temperature and a fever.
- Swelling and redness of your gums.
- With the infection spreading, the swelling of your jaw.
- An increased sensitivity of your teeth to hot and cold temperatures.
- A draining sore in your gums that creates a bitter taste in your mouth.
- Constant bad breath.
Is a Tooth Abscess Considered a Dental Emergency?
A tooth abscess should indeed be considered a dental emergency. If you believe you have a tooth abscess, you need to pursue treatment promptly. If left untreated, the abscess will continue to spread infection causing serious and life-threatening effects.
Treatment Options for a Tooth Abscess
The proper treatment for your abscess will be determined based on your specific needs, which might include the following treatments:
- Drain the Abscess- The most effective and successful way to treat an abscess is to drain the infection immediately. A tiny incision into the abscess will allow this drainage. Your dentist may also irrigate or wash the area of any further infection. They will also remove dead tissue that cannot heal.
- Antibiotics- It might not be possible to drain the abscess. A dental infection could neutralize the effects of any local anesthetics making it difficult to properly numb the area for treatment. Infected lower molars are usually difficult to numb when a serious infection is present. If this is your situation, you will first need to be placed on an antibiotic to reduce the infection, which will allow the anesthetics to be effective for comfortable treatment.
- Root Canal- A root canal is a procedure that removes the pulp containing live nerves and blood vessels in the center of the tooth and root. With an infected tooth, a root canal removes infected pulp and drains the abscess. Once the infection is eliminated, the tooth is restored and protected with a dental crown to preserve the natural tooth.
- Tooth Extraction- If the infected tooth cannot be saved, it will be extracted to remove the abscess, the infection, and then promote natural healing.