19 Oct 2020
If you’re experiencing tooth pain then we recommend you book in with one of our friendly, qualified dentists at Hawthorn East Dental, regardless of whether you think you have tooth abscess or some other tooth problems. Consistent tooth pain is a sign that something is not right.
The longer you leave it to visit a dentist near you, to investigate, the worse your oral health may become.
What is a Tooth Abscess?
A dental cavity that has not been treated, prior dental work or an injury can lead to a tooth abscess. In the case of an injury, if the tooth is chipped or broken and the inner part of the tooth is exposed, it an form an abscess.
An abscess is formed due to an oral bacterial infection and as a result, a pocket of pus is formed. There are two types of tooth abscesses:
- A periodontal abscess which occurs at the side of the tooth root in the gums and affects the bone.
- A periapical abscess which occurs at the tip of the root.
A periapical tooth abscess usually occurs as a result of an untreated dental cavity, an injury or prior dental work.
Increasing the likelihood of an Abscess
It’s important to maintain your dental health to help avoid dental issues overall. Other things that can exacerbate the possibility of getting a tooth abscess include sugary foods and dry mouth.
Symptoms of Tooth Abscess
It may be difficult to know if you have an abscess or another dental problem. In any case, it is advised you see one of our Hawthorn East dentists as soon as possible. If it is a tooth abscess, and if left untreated, it can lead to further serious dental health complications.
These are some of the symptoms you may experience:
- A pimple-like bulge on your gum
- Red and swollen gums and/or face or jaw
- Tooth pain when chewing
- Jaw pain
- Severe tooth ache
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble swallowing
- Fever
- Swollen neck glands
- Tooth sensitivity
Treating a Tooth Abscess
The severity of the impact of a tooth abscess will determine if we can treat it or if you need to be referred to an endodontist; who specialises in teeth roots.
The idea of treating the abscess is to remove it and also save the tooth and further oral health issues. The abscess will need to be drained and in some cases root canal surgery may be required.
While you are waiting to consult with one of our qualified Dentists here at Hawthorn East Dental, use salt water rinses and intermittently, clove oil on the site of the infection.
Do not leave the tooth abscess untreated. Call us today on Tel:98826606 and we look forward to helping you improve your oral health.
