Dental Talk Thursday | Dental Abscess

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Dental Talk Thursday | Dental Abscess

For this weeks Dental Talk Thursday we are going to be talking about something no one wants, a dental abscess.

An abscess is an area of pus that forms as a result of a bacterial infection. Pus is a combination of enzymes, damaged cells and tissues, and white blood cells that are both dead and alive. When there is no way for pus to drain, an abscess is formed. Abscesses can be caused by trauma, bacteria, or food or debris deep under the gum.

The main symptom of an abscess is a persistent, throbbing pain. At first, the tooth will be heat and pressure sensitive. Later, a fever may develop, swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck may appear, and pain may be felt in the sinus area.

If an abscess ruptures, an abrupt blast of malodor will occur and an unpleasant fluid will leak into the mouth.

Your dentist can diagnose an abscessed tooth through oral examining along with an x-ray and pulp test. Saving an abscessed tooth starts with draining the infection to remove the bacteria and relieve the pain. A root canal will likely be necessary and should be started as soon as possible. If the abscess involves gum tissue, your dentist may advise you to rinse with warm salt water a few times daily for several days. You may also be prescribed antibiotics to help make sure the infection has been removed before starting treatment.

Don’t worry; you can help to prevent this from happening. You can do so by practicing good oral hygiene which will keep the teeth and gums free of food and debris. Also, don’t forget to keep up with your regular dental checkups, too!

If you have a toothache or notice evidence of an abscess on your gum, visit your dentist. Even if the abscess drains and the pain decreases, a visit to the dentist for complete treatment is crucial. The prognosis is excellent IF detected promptly and treated appropriately.

- Rachel Faul, Registered Dental Hygienist