Ask the Dentist!
Do I have an Abscess
Toothaches can be quite painful, but not every toothache is caused by an abscess. Patients commonly equate a toothache to an abscess when in fact most times the ache is not an abscess and may not even need treatment. So, what exactly is an abscess and how is it treated?
What is an abscess?
An abscess is an area of infection that forms a collection of pus caused primarily by a bacterial infection. In a tooth, this starts as a cavity.
Cavities that are not treated can get deeper and allow bacteria to infect the nerve of the tooth. In turn, this leads to pus formation at the end of the tooth root know as an abscess. Abscesses that form quickly can cause significant pain and swelling and can pop up overnight. Depending on where the abscess is located, it can be a potentially life threatening. Swelling caused from the infection can block breathing or even go to the brain. If not treated, hospitalization or even death can occur.
How is an abscess treated?
Antibiotics
In most all cases, an antibiotic is prescribed to help the body eliminate the infection. Treatment times will usually range from 7-14 days and may require more that one type of antibiotic. It is very important to take all the pills as prescribed even though the pain or swelling may start to resolve in 3-4 days. Bacteria can develop a resistance to antibiotics when prescriptions are not followed to completion.
Root canal
Once a cavity reaches the nerve of a tooth, the tooth becomes infected. If allowed to progress, this will form an abscess. Once this happens, it becomes necessary to remove the entire nerve and blood supply from inside the tooth and fill the inside with a material called gutta percha. After a few days, the swelling, pain and infection will begin to resolve and the tooth can then be restored with a crown.
Extraction
If not taken care of in a timely manner, an abscess can progress to the point where the tooth may need to be extracted in order to resolve the infection. If not treated the infection will slowly destroy bone that holds a tooth in the jaw causing it to become loose. Once this happens there is little hope of saving the tooth.
If you find yourself in pain give us a call. We are here to help – (225) 926-4203.
