One of the most common problems dentists encounter are abscesses, which are infections that can be life-threatening. Despite this fact, the public is ill-informed on the dangers they pose. Most do not know, for instance, that dental abscesses will not go away on their own. You can't simply grin and bear it if you have a toothache caused by an infection since it will only grow worse.
Caused by an inflamed, infected tooth, gum, or bone area in the jaw, abscesses are bacterial infections that can only be treated by a course of antibiotics. Worse yet, the illness can spread if the problem is ignored or goes undetected. In the most serious cases, the bacteria can migrate to the brain and kill the patient.
Symptoms
One of the things that make abscesses particularly dangerous is that they don't always present symptoms. Some patients may not experience pain or swelling of any kind, even if the infection is quite severe. However, in the vast majority of cases, the patient will suffer the aforementioned symptoms, as well as sensitivity to hot or cold, bitter taste in the mouth, and headaches. When the illness takes hold, the patient may also become feverish.
Treatment Options
Because an abscess can destroy an otherwise healthy tooth, dentists always attempt to eliminate the infection with potent antibiotics. It may also be necessary to perform root canal therapy on the patient. This common dental procedure is used to relieve pressure by draining the affected area of fluids. There are three ways to do this:
- Tooth extraction and drainage through the socket
- Removal of diseased root tissue
- Incision into the swollen gum tissue
Although the tooth can be saved in most cases, the damage the illness does to root tissue is often the deciding factor. It may also be necessary to remove the tooth if the infection is severe and it threatens the patient's life. Because dental extraction is the most expedient way to drain the area and prevent a worsening of symptoms, it is employed in some cases.
When To Seek Help
The most common reason dentists must extract infected teeth is that the patient waited too long to see them. It's not entirely their fault, of course. There are lots of reasons people experience dental discomfort and pain, and not all of them involve abscesses. For example, tens of millions of Americans experience tooth sensitivity daily. But a serious infection is different. How?
Unlike a regular toothache that causes discomfort, an abscess will result in swelling. This swelling is caused by an accumulation of pus that often results in pressure buildup. When the tooth root is affected, the pain the illness causes can be extreme. In many cases, patients report an excruciating, persistent throbbing.
If you experience any of the symptoms of this potentially serious illness, contact your dental professional as soon as possible.
Caused by an inflamed, infected tooth, gum, or bone area in the jaw, abscesses are bacterial infections that can only be treated by a course of antibiotics. Worse yet, the illness can spread if the problem is ignored or goes undetected. In the most serious cases, the bacteria can migrate to the brain and kill the patient.
Symptoms
One of the things that make abscesses particularly dangerous is that they don't always present symptoms. Some patients may not experience pain or swelling of any kind, even if the infection is quite severe. However, in the vast majority of cases, the patient will suffer the aforementioned symptoms, as well as sensitivity to hot or cold, bitter taste in the mouth, and headaches. When the illness takes hold, the patient may also become feverish.
Treatment Options
Because an abscess can destroy an otherwise healthy tooth, dentists always attempt to eliminate the infection with potent antibiotics. It may also be necessary to perform root canal therapy on the patient. This common dental procedure is used to relieve pressure by draining the affected area of fluids. There are three ways to do this:
- Tooth extraction and drainage through the socket
- Removal of diseased root tissue
- Incision into the swollen gum tissue
Although the tooth can be saved in most cases, the damage the illness does to root tissue is often the deciding factor. It may also be necessary to remove the tooth if the infection is severe and it threatens the patient's life. Because dental extraction is the most expedient way to drain the area and prevent a worsening of symptoms, it is employed in some cases.
When To Seek Help
The most common reason dentists must extract infected teeth is that the patient waited too long to see them. It's not entirely their fault, of course. There are lots of reasons people experience dental discomfort and pain, and not all of them involve abscesses. For example, tens of millions of Americans experience tooth sensitivity daily. But a serious infection is different. How?
Unlike a regular toothache that causes discomfort, an abscess will result in swelling. This swelling is caused by an accumulation of pus that often results in pressure buildup. When the tooth root is affected, the pain the illness causes can be extreme. In many cases, patients report an excruciating, persistent throbbing.
If you experience any of the symptoms of this potentially serious illness, contact your dental professional as soon as possible.