Categories: Emergency Dentist

Emergency Dentistry: What Is a Tooth Abscess?

Emergency dentistry focuses on treating dental issues that require immediate care, like an abscess. An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms due to a bacterial infection in a tooth. Some abscesses form at the tip of a tooth’s root, while others form in gum tissues around the infected tooth.

An abscess can be quite painful and lead to more serious issues. For example, the infection in the tooth can spread to vital organs, like the brain, where it can be life-threatening. An abscess is more likely to occur when a tooth’s pulp chamber has been compromised. This is the area that contains the tooth’s nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues. The area is sealed off to protect the soft tissues there. When the pulp chamber is opened up due to decay or an injury, bacteria can make their way into the pulp chamber, leading to issues like an infection or abscess.

How emergency dentistry addresses abscessed teeth

Here are signs and symptoms that mean it is time to seek emergency dentistry care for an abscessed tooth:

  • A severe, throbbing toothache
  • Pain when chewing
  • Inflamed gums
  • Teeth sensitivity
  • A weird taste or smell in the mouth

Treatment options that a dentist might recommend for an abscessed tooth include the following.

1. Draining

A dentist might recommend treating abscess by draining the pus. This involves making an incision into the pus pocket and allowing its contents to drain out. The dentist typically follows that up by removing any dead tissues in the area and washing it with a saline solution.

2. Antibiotics

Draining an abscess is not always an option. Dentists can also treat the infection by placing the patient on antibiotics. This helps fight the infection and can make local anesthetics more effective on the patient. Severe dental infections tend to block the effects of local anesthetics.

3. Root canal

A root canal is one of the most effective ways to treat an infected tooth. The procedure involves removing the soft tissues in the pulp chamber and applying mediation there to kill any bacteria. The area is sealed with gutta-percha to prevent bacteria from re-infecting it.

4. Extraction

Some patients wait longer than they should before getting treatment for their infected tooth. For some of these people, it might be too late to perform a root canal because the infection is starting to spread to other parts of the body, where it is a significantly more serious issue. Extracting the tooth in this scenario is the best way to safeguard the patient’s health. The extracted tooth can be replaced with an oral prosthetic, like an implant.

Get emergency care for your infected tooth

An abscessed tooth is a serious dental issue that should never be ignored. Doing so can lead to serious health conditions that can be life-threatening. Call or visit our Alexandria clinic to learn more about how we can fix your abscessed tooth.

Request an appointment here: https://alexoldtowndental.com or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at (703) 763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dentist in Alexandria, VA.

Related Posts

Signs That You Need To Visit An Emergency Dentist

Dental emergencies come in many different forms. Many people do not know if their dental emergency warrants an urgent trip to an emergency dentist. However, when left untreated, some dental emergencies can cause permanent tooth loss. Several dental emergencies require immediate medical attention to prevent future damage to your oral health. Contact Alexandria Old Town…

Reasons To See An Emergency Dentist

It can be hard to know when to see an emergency dentist versus when to see a general dentist for a time-sensitive but not emergent issue. Emergency dentists have a very specific role when it comes to treating one's oral cavity. There are only certain times when utilizing their expertise is absolutely necessary. Thankfully, in…

Common Services Offered By An Emergency Dentist

When a sudden urge of discomfort or pain occurs in the mouth, you may find yourself scrambling for a dental appointment. Unfortunately, you may not realize you need an emergency dentist until it is too late. Having an emergency dentist on standby allows you to be prepared for many oral emergencies, as they offer many…

Dental Emergencies: What They Are And How An Emergency Dentist Can Help

Accidents and unexpected events can happen at any time. Dental emergencies are no exception, causing a painful and distressing situation. An emergency dentist can provide immediate and specialized care for a severe toothache, a broken tooth, or a knocked-out tooth.A dental emergency is any situation where a patient needs immediate attention and care to alleviate…

Alexandria Old Town Dental

Share
Published by
Alexandria Old Town Dental

Recent Posts

How Visiting a Cosmetic Dentist Can Boost Your Confidence

A visit to a cosmetic dentist can enhance the look and health of your smile,…

22 hours ago

The Recovery Process After a Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that many people undergo every year. Whether they…

2 days ago

Questions to Ask Your Dentist at Your Next Dental Cleaning

Regular dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining good oral health. These appointments not…

3 days ago

Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges close the gap left by missing teeth. Many types of dental bridges are…

4 days ago

When Is the Best Time To Get a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure that often induces anxiety in individuals due to the…

5 days ago

The Key Differences Between a General and Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist focuses on the appearance of a patient’s smile, while a general addresses…

7 days ago