When Does A Dental Abscess Become An Emergency?

If the infection has spread to other body parts, a dental abscess is usually regarded as a dental emergency. This isn’t always the case, though. Let us look at some other instances where a tooth abscess should be treated as an emergency in this blog. 

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What is a Dental Abscess?

A tooth abscess is a pus-filled pocket in or around a tooth. A bacterial infection causes pus, which is a thick, flowing white, or yellow-white liquid.

When the body sends a response to fight an infection, the buildup of cells increases pressure at the infection site, causing significant discomfort.

A tooth abscess is caused by a bacterial infection that develops around a tooth.

What Makes a Tooth Abscess Dangerous?

If left untreated, the infection will spread regardless of where it started. The infection often extends outward in the form of a little pimple-like swelling that can drain and relieve pressure (called a fistula). This form of an abscess may not cause any discomfort.

In some cases, the infection spreads within, causing death. Septicemia is a disorder that occurs when a tooth infection travels to the bloodstream.

The airway can be blocked by an illness that spreads to the soft tissues under the tongue. If an infection in the upper teeth progresses, it is most likely to move to the brain. All of these scenarios have the potential to be fatal.

When Should a Dental Abscess Be Treated as an Emergency?

The bacteria growth from an existing cavity into the soft tissues and bones of the face and neck causes a dental abscess. Cavity bacteria can spread to the gums, throat, face, tongue, and facial bone. When the tissues are inflamed, it can be extremely painful.

The pus that accumulates up at the infection site will grow increasingly uncomfortable until it is either surgically drained or drains on its own. The infection can sometimes worsen to the point where the swelling blocks the airway, making breathing difficult. People with dental abscesses can become ill in general, with fevers, vomiting, chills, and sweats.

In addition to poor oral hygiene, a dental abscess can be caused by the patient’s poor diet, smoking, drinking, or having certain medical conditions that increase the likelihood of cavities forming in the teeth. The infection could then spread to the gums and other surrounding tissues, resulting in a painful tooth abscess.

How To Know If You Have a Dental Abscess?

The following are some of the signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess:

  • Swelling
  • Cavities
  • Pain
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Gum inflammation
  • Breathing difficulty 
  • Oral Swelling

When Should I Go To An Emergency Dentist if I Have an Abscess?

People who suspect they have a tooth abscess should make an appointment with their dentist for an examination to see if they have the disease. 

If the infection has become too painful to handle with over-the-counter medication, the patient should seek emergency help. If the patient has a fever, chills, vomiting, or other signs of a tooth abscess, call 000 finally if the patient is in excruciating discomfort or has trouble breathing or swallowing.

What Methods Do Dentists Use to Check For an Abscess?

A physical examination by a dentist can establish whether or not a patient has a drainable abscess. X-rays may be required in some circumstances to reveal tiny abscesses in the deepest section of the tooth.

How Do Dentists Treat a Dental Abscess?

If the dentist determines that the abscess can be drained, the abscess will be sliced open, and the pus will be drained. At the beginning of a root canal procedure, the dentist may drain the abscess through the infected tooth. 

The abscess may rupture on its own in rare circumstances. People with dental abscesses are usually offered pain medications and antibiotics to fight the infection.

Contact A Dental Specialist Now! Go For a Dental Abscess Check-up

A tooth abscess is an illness that can be very painful, which is one of the reasons why good oral hygiene is so essential. 

Schedule an appointment with your dentist to have the abscess drained if you have an abscess and are in a lot of discomfort.

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