If you have been
ignoring that toothache, you could be asking for trouble. Your dentist explains
that a toothache could become infected causing a dangerous abscess.
Colgate explains that an abscessed tooth is
usually a very painful infection, however occasionally you may have an abscessed
tooth and not even be aware of it, especially if the pulp, which is the nerves,
blood vessels and tissue inside of the tooth, has died.
An abscessed tooth is
commonly caused by tooth decay, tooth trauma or if the tooth has been broken or
is chipped. Gingivitis and periodontal disease could also be to blame for an
abscessed tooth.
You may have an
abscessed tooth if you are experiencing throbbing, shooting, or sharp pain in a
particular tooth or surrounding teeth. Other signs and symptoms of an abscessed
tooth include:
- Pain when you chew
- Fever
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
- A bitter taste in your mouth
- Swollen glands in your neck
- General discomfort
- Chronic bad breath
- Upper or lower jaw swelling
- An open or draining sore on your gums
As mentioned above if
the pulp in the root of your tooth dies because of the infection your toothache
may suddenly stop, however, that does not mean you that it has magically healed
as the infection is still active and will continue to spread.
If you have been
diagnosed with a tooth abscess, your dentist will come up with a strategy to
help save the tooth and prevent additional complications.
To eliminate further
infection, your dentist may drain the abscess with root canal therapy. Root
surgery may also be needed to remove the root tissue that is infected. After
the surgery or root canal therapy, your dentist will place a dental crown to
help protect the tooth.
If the infection has
severely damaged the tissue, your dentist may have to extract your tooth to
allow for socket drainage. Your dentist may decide on an incision in the gum
tissue to allow for drainage. This type of treatment also allows you to keep
your tooth. Antibiotics will be prescribed as well to help fight off the
infection.
The best way to avoid
a nasty infection is to practice good oral hygiene that includes brushing twice
and flossing once each day. Make sure that you eat a healthy diet and see your
dentist twice a year.
If you would like
more information regarding dental abscesses, or have a toothache that just won’t
go away, call or click and speak to your dentist today.
