How to Treat an Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth can be incredibly painful. Fortunately, this condition can often be treated at home. There are several ways to help you manage the pain, which can range from a cold compress to an antibiotic. While it will not go away on its own, early treatment can help you avoid days of pain and discomfort.
An abscessed tooth is caused by a bacterial infection that can spread to other parts of the body. Left untreated, it can lead to serious medical complications and may even be life threatening. Your dentist can help you determine if you have an abscessed tooth and how to deal with it. An abscessed tooth should be treated right away. An abscessed tooth may also spread to the jaw and even to other parts of the head, resulting in a potentially life-threatening condition called Ludwig’s Angina.
Your dentist will first attempt to remove the infection. If you don’t respond to antibiotics, the dentist may need to extract the tooth. In some cases, a root canal can solve your abscess problem and the dentist can then cover the affected tooth with a natural-looking crown. However, if the infection has spread to other areas of your mouth, it might be necessary to undergo surgery.
An abscessed tooth is usually the result of a poor oral hygiene routine. If you don’t brush your teeth twice a day, you increase your risk of developing an abscess. You should also avoid eating sugary foods and drinks as these can encourage bacteria growth. Having regular dental checkups is also essential to prevent this problem. Brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is crucial, and flossing daily helps you clean out the infected area.
An abscessed tooth can be very painful. The infection in the tooth can spread to other parts of the mouth and even the jawbone. If you have an abscess, you should not delay treatment, as it can only make the situation worse. If left untreated, an abscessed tooth can even spread to other parts of your mouth, including your gums.
Treatment options for an abscessed tooth include root canal surgery and extraction. During these procedures, the dentist will remove the bacteria in the empty canals of the tooth. The dentist will then clean, shape, and fill the root canals and restore the tooth’s function. After this, your dentist will place a crown over the tooth.
If an abscess is left untreated, it can kill the pulp inside the tooth. As a result, the infection can spread to the jawbone and surrounding tissues, causing even more pain. It’s important to get dental treatment as soon as possible, as the pain can be very uncomfortable and even lead to a bad taste in your mouth.
