How to Treat an Abscessed Tooth
Dental abscesses typically mean one thing: an infected nerve inside of your tooth. If you don’t treat it soon enough, you may lose the tooth entirely. In extremely rare situations, abscesses can spread to other parts of the face or even into the brain. Although this is not extremely common, it does re-emphasise the importance of timely care for our Wantirna patients.
Because an abscess is inside of your tooth, it’s important to access the nerve and remove the dying tissues inside of the hollow chamber that extends through the root. Generally, this endodontic procedure is referred to as a “root canal.”
Treating an abscessed tooth is vital to prevent the infection from spreading.
Causes of Dental Abscess
Dental abscesses can occur for various reasons including:
Tooth Decay
When cavities go unchecked, they can lead to abscess formation.
Gum Disease
Infections in the gums known as gum disease can extend to the teeth, causing abscesses.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth
Damage to teeth can create openings for bacteria, triggering an abscess.
Poor Dental Hygiene
Improper brushing and flossing can contribute to bacterial buildup.
Dry mouth
Reduced saliva flow can promote bacterial growth, increasing the risk of abscesses.
Signs of Dental Abscess
- Intense toothache
- Swelling in the face or jaw
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Persistent bad taste in the mouth
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Difficulty swallowing
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see one of our dentists right away for evaluation and treatment.
“Can’t I Just Get an Antibiotic?”
An antibiotic may be necessary before getting a root canal. The medication clears up a large portion of the infection so that the tooth is easier to work on. In turn, this makes it easier to numb the tooth; otherwise, the increased inflammation would make anaesthetising the area extremely challenging.
However, antibiotics don’t prevent the abscess from returning. An infected tooth will only continue to become infected because the opening (crack or cavity) allows new bacteria into the nerve chamber.
Modern Root Canal Treatments in Wantirna
Endodontic therapy cleans away the dental infection and preserves your tooth so that you can continue using it for many more years to come. After numbing it, an access point is created to remove the nerve, clean the hollow chamber, and seal it off.
After having a root canal, you’ll need to get a crown over the tooth so that the weakened enamel doesn’t wear or chip away prematurely. At Studfield Dental Group we will match the porcelain restoration so that it blends in with the rest of your teeth.
If you have an abscess or toothache, call Studfield Dental Group today to schedule an exam. We will perform a comprehensive evaluation and recommend the best treatment option for you.