What Is a Dental Abscess?

Attractive young black woman with a pained look on her face and her hand to her jaw indicating dental abscess pain

A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that occurs inside your tooth, gums, or bone. Bacteria infect the dental pulp leading to a formation of pus that needs removal. A dental abscess can occur from improper hygiene, untreated dental cavities, injuries, or a diet high in sugar.

What Are the Symptoms of a Dental Abscess?

If you have a dental abscess, you may be experiencing symptoms like:

  1. Severe toothache
  2. Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
  3. Gum tenderness
  4. Discomfort when biting and chewing foods
  5. Swelling of the face or the cheek
  6. Swollen lymph nodes in the jaw or neck

It’s essential to see a dentist as soon as possible once you notice these symptoms. Immediate treatment can prevent the infection from getting worse and making treatment more complicated.

Treatments For Dental Abscess

The type of treatment to clear up a dental abscess depends on the severity of the problem. Dental abscesses usually receive root canal therapy. This treatment will remove the infection and save your natural tooth. A root canal procedure starts by creating a small hole in your tooth to reach the infected area. The next step is removing the decayed material. Then the interior of your tooth will be filled and sealed off from further infection. You may also get a dental crown for extra protection. If your dental abscess is too severe, then a dental extraction will take place. A gap in the smile is not ideal for many reasons, but our office offers several dental restoration options like implants and bridges.

What Should I Do if I Think I Have a Dental Abscess?

If you have a dental abscess, schedule an appointment with Troy Bartels, DDS right away. We will examine your teeth and determine the appropriate treatment. Your oral health is in good hands with our expert team in Jonesboro, AR.

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