Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is oftentimes painful swelling filled with fluid that results from an untreated bacterial infection. When this infection occurs, the body forms a barrier around it, enclosing it to stop it from spreading.
- Gum abscess: Typically occurs between the tooth and the gums, and can result from food or a foreign object getting trapped in the gums or from severe periodontal disease
- Tooth abscess
- Forms underneath the tooth at the tip of the tooth root, and happens when the nerve inside of the tooth is dead or dying. This is one indicator that the tooth needs a root canal or extraction to remove the infection.
- One the abscess gets to a certain size it may grow and be visible on the gums underneath the infected tooth, may even pop and drain fluid
Symptoms
- Spontaneous throbbing pain
- Teeth sensitive to any pressure
- Swelling and/or pus
- Inflamed gums
- Bad taste or smell
Treatment of an abscess
- See your dentist as soon as possible to prevent the infection growing or spreading
- Most cases require either a root canal on the infected tooth, or an extraction of the infected tooth.
- In some cases your doctor will clean the area around the abscess and drain it.
- Your dentist will most likely prescribe an antibiotic
To find out more about which service options are best for you, please call (810) 687-5040 or request an appointment online.
