West Green Family Dental

21350 FM 529 Suite 400 Cypress, Texas 77433

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Dental hygiene tips for healthy teeth & gums

Dental Abscess: Symptoms, Treatment And Preventio

An abscess is an infection. Two types of dental abscesses are, A periapical abscess, Which takes place at the root of a tooth and a Periodontal abscess which happens in the gum. A periapical abscess kills the nerve and pulp tissue by getting into the nerve chamber.

On the other hand, Periodontal is a chronic gum infection that weakens the bone and results in bone and tooth loss, if not treated properly. It also triggers infection throughout the mouth which goes untreated for too long, resulting in a pus-filled area which is called the abscess.

Symptoms:

  1. Severe pain that radiates to the jawbone, neck, or ear
  2. Hot or cold tooth sensitivity
  3. Pressure sensitivity
  4. Fever
  5. Swelling in the face
  6. Bad breath
  7. Soreness in neck and jaw resulting from swollen lymph nodes
  8. Rotten taste in mouth

The discomfort of a toothache is caused by fluid or gases that build up inside the tooth. Sometimes the infection creates a bubble on the gum. Once this bubble pops, the infection drain into the gum tissue and mouth, and pain goes away. This just means the pressure is relieved.

Treatment:
Once an abscess is diagnosed, you can certainly follow a few methods of treatment. Antibiotics can be given to destroy the bacteria, however the major issue of an infected tooth, dying nerve, or periodontal disease should be dealt with seriously.

If abscess is caused by a dying nerve, a root canal is recommended to clean out the infected tissue. A crown or cap can be placed over the tooth to preserve the remaining tooth and prevent further breakage.

If the infection has gone too far, an extraction might be suggested, and an implant with a crown on can be put in its place.

If abscess is due to periodontal disease, root planing and scaling is suggested. This is deep cleaning done with specialized instruments.

Prevention:
It is not always possible to avoid a sudden traumatic impact, however, there are plenty of other ways to prevent decay and periodontal disease:

  1. Visit your dentist for professional cleanings
  2. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day
  3. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months
  4. Drink tap water or fluoridated bottled water
  5. Watch sugar and carbohydrate intake
  6. Use a mouth rinse before bed

With a little care, you can prevent dental abscess before it develops, thereby saving you from the inconvenience of a toothache.

Book an Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.