Emergency with a Dental Abscess

Emergency with a Dental Abscess: What Causes This?

What is a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is an infection of the mouth, jaw, or throat that is caused by bacteria. It is a serious condition that can cause severe pain and swelling. The infection can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.

What Causes a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is usually caused by bacteria that enter the mouth through a cavity or crack in a tooth. The bacteria can also enter through a gum infection or an injury to the mouth. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to an abscess.

Symptoms of a Dental Abscess

The most common symptom of a dental abscess is a severe toothache. Other symptoms may include swelling of the face or jaw, fever, bad breath, and a foul taste in the mouth.

Treating a Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment. Treatment usually involves draining the abscess and taking antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading.

Draining the Abscess

The first step in treating a dental abscess is to drain the pus from the infected area. This can be done by a dentist or oral surgeon. The pus is usually drained through a small incision in the gum or through a root canal procedure.

Antibiotics

Once the abscess has been drained, antibiotics are usually prescribed to prevent the infection from spreading. The antibiotics may be taken orally or applied directly to the infected area.

After Treatment

After the abscess has been treated, it is important to take steps to prevent future infections. This includes practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist for regular check-ups.

Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential for preventing future dental abscesses. This includes brushing and flossing at least twice a day and using an antiseptic mouthwash.

Regular Check-Ups

Regular check-ups with a dentist are also important for preventing future dental abscesses. During these visits, the dentist can check for any signs of infection and provide treatment if necessary.

Dental abscesses are often a very, very serious problem when they occur. And when left untreated and uncorrected, a serious infection can occur. Thankfully, now it’s been made more clear what’s going on with this terrible swelling under your tooth and how to treat it by visiting a emergency dentist so that no permanent damage is done.