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