Dental Abscess:
A Bacterial Infection

Dental abscess begins with a moderate pain that is felt when pressure is applied to the affected tooth while eating or biting. The tooth also becomes sensitive to hot and/or cold liquids. Then the gums around the abscessed tooth turn red and start to swell. In addition, you may have bad breath and your mouth may taste foul. As the problem worsens, the swelling may be followed by fever, and your toothache can become severe.

A dental abscess is caused by bacterial infection of the soft tissue around your tooth. Bacteria multiply at the root, causing tooth decay to penetrate the pulp chamber. This chamber fills up with pus, which is called "abscess."

Thus, bacterial infection and tooth abscess can be easily avoided simply by taking proper care of your teeth. Besides proper brushing and flossing, one should eat vitamin-rich foods, which are good for the health of your teeth.

Consult your dentist regularly X-rays and close examination so that any tooth abscess progress can be immediately halted.

Treatment

See your dentist immediately at the first sign of pain, before it becomes too severe. He/she may simply prescribe antibiotics for stopping the growth of infection caused by bacteria. Depending upon the stage of infection, you may just need a few tablets to get rid of your pain.

However, at the advanced stages your dentist will need to clean the pus-filled pocket and remove the dead or damaged pulp. The hole created is filled using root canal therapy. Worst case, if your tooth cannot be saved, your dentist may suggest tooth extraction.

This may seem a convenient cure-all for all your problems, but remember, once you lose your natural tooth it is gone forever. Therefore, extraction, though less expensive, should be exercised only as a last option.

For a complimentary examination appointment to see if you have a dental abscess and what treatment would be right for you, please contact us online or call 650-965-1234.

We'll answer any questions you may have, and give you a free written estimate regarding costs and insurance benefits before you leave.

Call us today!

Dr. Burch