What Is a Dental Abscess?

Have you heard of the term “dental abscess,” and wondered what it meant? A dental abscess is also sometimes called a tooth abscess. An abscess is when there’s a pocket of pus around the root of the tooth. It may occur in various ways to people of all ages. Unfortunately, the symptoms can be quite painful. A tooth abscess should be treated as a dental emergency because it will not go away without treatment and can lead to serious health complications!

Causes

The pus formed in a dental abscess is an infection. This can be a result of tooth decay, trauma to the tooth if it was previously chipped or injured, gum disease, and even the loss of tooth enamel. If there’s an opening in the tooth, bacteria will find its way inside. This can cause infection to develop and spread down to the root of the tooth and to the bones supporting the tooth.

Symptoms

Some less obvious symptoms can include sensitivity to hot or cold foods, swelling of the gums, and unusual breath odor. The most obvious symptom of dental abscess is when you experience severe toothache. This is a clear sign of infection! Whether it’s sharp or throbbing, the pain will be continuous and nearly unbearable. It’s imperative that you seek a dentist as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading further. Untreated infection can lead to the loss of the tooth. Infection can also spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment

Your dentist will assess the problem and prescribe the best course of treatment to get rid of the infection. This might include draining the abscess or performing a root canal to save the tooth. You will likely be prescribed antibiotics to contain the infection.

Relief From Tooth Pain in Eden Prairie

If you’re experiencing an unusual toothache, we invite you to visit Prairie Dental Group. From our staff members to our dentists, we are committed to providing optimal, personalized care and serving your dental needs. We keep up with modern technology, offer various forms of sedation, and provide complimentary amenities. Meet our friendly team at your earliest convenience!