An abscessed tooth can occur for a variety of reasons, and most require prompt treatment from a family dentist. It is important to understand what an abscessed tooth is, what the early symptoms are and how a family dentist might treat an abscessed tooth to be able to recognize the concern when it develops and know what to expect during treatment.
A family dentist can diagnose and treat an abscessed tooth. They also provide insights into how patients can prevent future instances of an abscessed tooth through good oral hygiene. The following is everything to know about what an abscessed tooth is and how a family dentist can treat it in an effective manner.
An abscessed tooth is a pocket filled with pus that develops as a result of a tooth infection. It can be the result of a variety of oral health concerns, including cavities, tooth damage, and gum disease. An abscessed tooth develops when the pulp in the root of a tooth becomes infected. The infected pulp then forms a pocket of pus, which can worsen, and the infection can spread if it is not dealt with properly and in a timely manner.
It is important to recognize the early symptoms of an abscessed tooth to reduce the risk of the infection becoming more severe. Detecting symptoms early can also make the treatment needed less invasive in many cases. The more common symptoms to watch for include:
A more severe abscessed tooth can also include a fever and swollen lymph nodes, as well. If these symptoms exist, then contacting your family dentist to discuss treatment options is encouraged.
There are several options for treating an abscessed tooth. The recommended form of treatment depends on the severity of the infection. Family dentists may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:
Additional treatment may be required depending on the condition of the tooth. For example, the patient may require a dental crown following root canal therapy.
There are oral care tips that individuals can implement daily to minimize the risk of an abscessed tooth. Most notably, practicing good oral hygiene through brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash as directed by your family dentist is important. It is also encouraged to limit foods and drinks that contain high levels of sugar and other carbohydrates, along with visiting the family dentist for all scheduled check-up visits.
It is important not to ignore the symptoms of an abscessed tooth. If any symptoms develop, then contact a dentist as soon as possible to schedule a visit. Otherwise, the symptoms (including discomfort) can worsen and may even lead to more severe concerns, such as an oral infection that spreads to other parts of the mouth.
The first step the dental staff will take is to fully evaluate the affected tooth to determine if there is an abscess or other oral health concerns. From there, they can provide a treatment recommendation. They can also help alleviate the discomfort and may schedule a follow-up visit to properly treat the tooth. In some cases, they can treat the abscessed tooth on the first visit (depending on its severity).
The dentist can provide a professional recommendation for treatment based on the severity of the abscess. For severe abscesses, the dentist may recommend a root canal procedure to ensure the abscess is properly removed. In other cases (and in the most severe cases), the dentist may recommend tooth removal, followed by tooth replacement. For less severe instances, the dentist may recommend antibiotic treatment as well as a recommendation to help protect the tooth from future abscesses. Restorative procedures such as cavity fillings may be recommended as well.
If you have symptoms of an abscessed tooth, now is the time to take action. Early treatment can prevent future health issues. Our family dentist team can help you through the treatment process, and we encourage you to reach out to us today for more information on the next step to take.
Are you considering a family dentist in the Oxford area? Get more information at https://www.leedentistryoxford.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Oxford, MS.
If you follow recommendations from the American Dental Association, you should visit your family dentist twice a year. These visits provide more than just a cleaning and dental exam; they give you the opportunity to talk with your dentist about proper oral healthcare. While it could be intimidating or embarrassing to open up to your…
Looking for a new family dentist? Tooth decay refers to the erosion of dental enamel. When complete tooth decay occurs, the effects are irreversible, but weakened enamel can be restored and strengthened through treatment from a family dentist. If you have weakened enamel or tooth decay, then it is important to seek urgent treatment from…
Choosing a kid-friendly dentist is something many parents are doing nowadays, as there are different types of dental professionals that one can choose from. This type of dental professional is one who has chosen to treat kids, as well as adults, which means they have the skills and knowledge necessary to take care of kids'…
Wondering how a kid friendly dentist replaces a child's missing teeth? There are a few options that can be explored, however, it is good for parents to know that the process can be involved. Additionally, children are not always keen on the idea of tooth replacement, which often requires the help of a kid friendly…
Though we go to our general dentist all the time, one thing that not everyone…
Besides ourselves, one other person plays a highly important role in maintaining our oral health,…
Curious about what you should be asking your general dentist when you visit? Read on…
Dental veneers are often used to cover a chipped, cracked, or worn tooth.
A general dentist's contributions to a patient's oral health include both preventative care and the…
A general dentist spends a significant portion of their time performing preventative treatments like teeth…
