Dental Abscess

tooth abscess toronto dentist

What Is A Dental Abscess?

A Dental Abscess often appears as a painful swelling in the gums, cheek, or area near an affected tooth. It is a painful collection of pus originating from a single tooth or multiple teeth or surrounding gum and bone. It is typically caused by a bacterial infection, which can spread to the surrounding gum and bone. Dental abscesses can even be fatal if not properly treated, making it important to seek prompt dental care if you suspect you may have one. 

Before you contact a Toronto dentist to examine A Dental Abscess, there are some things you should know as a patient:

If you have questions about A Dental Abscess or other dental problems, please contact us for more information.

Why Do I Have A Dental Abscess?

There are various reasons why someone may develop a dental abscess. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Tooth decay: When tooth decay goes untreated, it can lead to cavities that may eventually reach the pulp of the tooth, causing infection and abscess formation.
  • Failed Root Canal Treatment: Root canal treatment is performed to save infected teeth, but success is never guaranteed. If there is residual infection coming from a root canal treated tooth, it can grow and cause a dental abscess.
  • Gum disease: If you have a gum infection caused by abundant plaque and tartar buildup, the bacteria can spread to the roots of your teeth and cause an abscess.
  • Cracked or broken teeth: A crack or break in your tooth can allow bacteria to enter the pulp and cause an infection.
  • Trauma to the tooth: An injury to the tooth, such as a hard blow to the face, can kill the nerve inside the tooth. The dead nerve can harbor infection which would then lead to an abscess.

If you feel pain coming from that appears to be a dental abscess, it is best to not wait and contact a dental professional. If you have further questions about A Dental Abscess, please contact us.

Dental abscess

Signs And Symptoms Of A Dental Abscess

If you have a dental abscess, you may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

  • Severe toothache: A toothache that is throbbing, continuous, and severe is a common symptom of a dental abscess. Pain can increase when you bite or chew because of the pressure exerted on the area of infection immediately below infected tooth.
  • Swollen gums: The gums surrounding the affected tooth may become red, swollen, and painful. You may be able to see a red pimple with a white head that swells and eventually pops. When this abscess pops, you may feel immediate pain relief.
  • Swelling in the face or jaw: As the infection spreads, you may notice swelling in your face or jaw.
  • Bad taste or bad odor in the mouth: A foul taste or odor in your mouth can indicate an abscess.
  • Fever: In severe cases, a fever may develop as your body tries to fight off the infection.

It’s important to seek dental care if you experience any of these symptoms, as delaying treatment can lead to more serious complications. If you have further questions about Dental Abscess symptoms, please contact us.

Treatment Options For A Dental Abscess

If you have a dental abscess, your dentist may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:

  • Drainage of the abscess: Your dentist may need to make an incision in the abscess to drain the pus and relieve pressure.
  • Root canal therapy: This procedure involves removing the infected pulp from the tooth and filling the space with a special material to prevent reinfection.
  • Extraction of the tooth: If the abscess cannot be treated with a root canal, your dentist may recommend removing the tooth to prevent the infection from spreading.
  • Antibiotics: In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help fight the infection.

Only a thorough exam by a dental professional and determine if you are experiencing a dental abscess and what treatment options are available to you. If you have further questions about Dental Abscess treatment options, please contact us.

Steps in abscess drainage procedure

How To Prevent A Dental Abscess

While not all dental abscesses can be prevented, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:

  • Practice good oral hygiene: Keeping your teeth as clean as possible can help prevent further decay and alleviate some of the tooth pain or tooth sensitivity. Brush and floss gently around the tooth. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water or mouthwash can help reduce infection, inflammation and alleviate toothache pain. You can buy any mouthwash available at your pharmacy or health foods store. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish the solution around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
  • Limit sugary and acidic foods: Sugary and acidic foods can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to abscesses.
  • Wear a mouthguard: If you play contact sports or grind your teeth, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from injury.
  • Get regular dental check-ups: Regular dental check-ups can help detect and treat dental problems before they develop into more serious conditions like an abscess.
  • Treat dental problems promptly: If you have a cavity or gum disease, seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.

By following these preventive measures, you can reduce your risk of developing a dental abscess and maintain good oral health. If you have further questions about how to prevent a Dental Abscess, please contact us.

Managing A Dental Abscess Until You Can See The Dentist

If you suspect you have a dental abscess and cannot see a dentist immediately, there are some steps you can take to manage your symptoms:

  • Practice good oral hygiene: Keeping the area around the dental abscess as clean as possible can help prevent further spread of infection. Brush and floss gently around the affected tooth. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water or mouthwash can help reduce infection, inflammation and alleviate toothache pain. You can buy any mouthwash available at your pharmacy or health foods store. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish the solution around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
  • Apply a cold compress to your cheek: A cold compress can help reduce swelling and numb the area.
  • Use Over-the-Counter Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain medication, such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen), can help relieve tooth pain or sensitivity from a dental abscess. Follow the instructions on the label and do not exceed the recommended dose. Unless you have a health condition that prevents you from taking either ibuprofen or acetaminophen, the absolute maximum dose that I recommend patients take for the worst dental pain is 600 mg ibuprofen combined with 1000 mg acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours.
  • Avoid hot or cold foods and drinks: Eating or drinking hot or cold substances can increase sensitivity and pain.
  • Avoid chewing on the affected side: Chewing on the affected side can increase pain and pressure on the abscess. Favor eating soft foods.

While these measures can provide temporary relief, it’s important to seek dental care as soon as possible to treat the underlying problem and prevent complications. Delaying treatment can lead to the spread of infection and more serious health problems. If you have further questions about how to manage a Dental Abscess, please contact us.

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