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(03) 9583 5506

(03) 9583 5506

Dental Abscess

SAME-DAY DENTAL EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT AVAILABLE IN CHELTENHAM

Dental Abscess Cheltenham

A dental abscess is a pus build-up in the teeth or gums.

Dental Abscess Cheltenham

The abscess usually comes from bacterial infection, most often in the soft pulp of the tooth.

Bacteria in plaque sticks to the teeth and damages them and the gums.

If the plaque is not removed by a regular and proper hygiene routine, the bacteria may spread inside the soft tissues of the tooth or gums, eventually resulting in an abscess.

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Types of Dental Abscess

Gingival abscess – Found in the gum tissue and does not affect the tooth or the periodontal ligaments.

Periodontal abscess – Found in the supporting bone tissue structure of the teeth.

Periapical abscess – Found in the soft pulp of the tooth.

The type of abscess can determine the severity and location of symptoms.

Causes of Dental Abscess

A periapical dental abscess happens when the dental pulp, the deepest part of the tooth that has blood vessels, sensitive nerves, and connective tissues, is infected by bacteria.

Bacteria can seep in through either a dental cavity or an opening in the tooth and spread down to vulnerable areas. The infection can cause swelling and inflammation to the tip of the root.

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Symptoms of a Dental Abscess Cheltenham

Symptoms of a Dental Abscess

Symptoms of a dental abscess include:

  • Severe, persistent, throbbing toothache that can spread to the jawbone, neck or ear
  • Sensitivity to extreme temperatures
  • Sensitivity to chewing or biting pressure
  • Swelling in the face or cheek
  • Tender, swollen lymph nodes underneath the jaw or in the neck
  • Sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting, salty fluid in your mouth

When to see a dentist

If you experience fever and swelling in the face, see your Cheltenham dentist right away.

These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread deeper into the jaw and surrounding tissues or even to the other areas of the body.

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Treatment for Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is treated by discovering the source of the infection and draining away the pus.

The possible treatments include:

  • Root canal treatment
  • Tooth extraction
  • Incision and drainage

At-Home Care

There are home remedies to relieve the pain:

  • Avoid hot and cold foods and drinks.
  • Chewing on the opposite side of your mouth without an abscess will be less painful.
  • Do not floss around the affected area.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Dental Abscess in Cheltenham

If you have a dental abscess or suspect having one, contact your Cheltenham dentist immediately so we can treat the problem right away and prevent further damage or infection.

In case of an emergency, call your Cheltenham dentist right away.

Same-Day Dental Emergency Appointment Available in Cheltenham

Call us on (03) 9583 5506 or request your appointment online.

We are located at Suite C, 151 Centre Dandenong Road in Cheltenham.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes bad breath?
The typical causes of bad breath include something stuck between the teeth, poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, tobacco use, medications and more.
How can I treat bad breath?
You can do many things to eliminate your bad breath, like clean your smile frequently, clean your tongue, sip on water throughout the day, stop smoking and talk to your Cheltenham dentist about using different medications.

If your bad breath just won’t seem to go away after doing these things, schedule an appointment with your dentist.

How can I avoid bad breath?
It’s important to keep up on oral hygiene, attend your check-ups and use mouthwash to prevent bad breath. Mouthwash is a great product that can clean your mouth and freshen your breath when needed.