Learn About Dental Abscess
At South Perth Dental Surgery, we understand how difficult it can be to deal with a dental abscess. That’s why we offer comprehensive treatments to help alleviate the pain and stop the infection.
Call us today to achieve a healthy smile!
A dental abscess can cause excruciating tooth pain. It can make it hard to eat, drink, sleep, and focus. An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. If it is left to grow, it can cause serious health complications.
South Perth Dental Surgery offers treatments for abscesses as part of our wide range of dental services. The experienced dentists here will work quickly and efficiently so you can get relief right away. Schedule an appointment today with our friendly team!
Benefits of Managing a Dental Abscess
Getting efficient treatment for your dental abscess is crucial to avoid further complications. Here are some benefits of managing this condition:
When a tooth abscess is left unmanaged, bacteria can enter your bloodstream and travel to other organs, leading to life-threatening situations.
The pressure buildup of pus in an abscess causes immense pain. Treatment can help ease this and get you back to feeling like yourself.
When an abscess grows, it can cause damaged teeth, gums, and jaw bone. Seeking treatment can prevent the destruction of your oral structures.
Sometimes, your tooth may need to be extracted because of an abscess. You may need costly procedures to restore the function and aesthetics of your smile.
WHY CHOOSE US
Why Choose
South Perth Dental Surgery
Family Dental Clinic for over 30 Years with a Highly Experienced Dentist, Hygienist, and Support Staff.
With years of experience managing all kinds of patients, we have the knowledge and skills to handle your dental concerns.
Our strong team of professionals is passionate about providing you with a high level of care. They understand the importance of forming a personal relationship with each of our patients to meet their individual needs. You can be at peace knowing that your dental health is in good hands.
Using the Latest Technology in Providing Dental Hygiene Services with Airflow.
Dental hygiene is important in preventing a whole host of problems. That is why we use the latest technology, including Airflow, to remove plaque, tartar buildup, and stains more effectively than before.
It is a gentle yet revolutionary way to clean teeth, and we proudly offer it to all our patients. We can help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health with state-of-the-art equipment and up-to-date techniques.
Invisalign and Other Clear Aligners Systems.
Having a straight smile is beneficial for both aesthetic and hygiene purposes. If you’re hesitant to wear traditional braces, we can help you achieve a beautiful smile without metal brackets and wires.
We provide Invisalign and other clear aligner systems that are virtually invisible and much more comfortable to wear. Plus, they are removable, so you can still eat all your favourite foods and brush and floss your teeth easily.
Call Us Today to Schedule Your Dental Appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
About Dental Abscess
What causes a dental abscess?
Dental abscesses form when bacteria invade the tooth and lead to infection. This can happen due to the following:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Trauma (broken tooth or fractured tooth)
When any of these occurs, a pathway for bacteria to enter the tooth and cause infection is created.
Is dental abscess a serious dental problem?
Yes, as mentioned, a tooth abscess is an infection. When an infection is allowed to continue, it can spread to nearby oral structures, other parts of the body, and the bloodstream. This can cause irreversible damage and other symptoms such as fever, increased pain, and general weakness.
In extreme cases, this can lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition. That’s why it is considered a dental emergency.
Will a dental abscess go away without treatment?
You may think a tooth abscess resolves on its own, but this is not true. Although the pain may go away when the abscess ruptures, the infection remains. This means that it can still cause harm and severe problems.
Even though there are no longer any symptoms, it’s still important to seek urgent attention for this condition.
How will my dentist manage a dental abscess?
Here are some ways your dental team may manage an abscess:
- Drain the abscess.
This process is done by making a small hole in the abscess so the pus can drain. The area is then cleaned and rinsed with a sterile solution.
- Root canal therapy.
This procedure aims to remove the infected pulp while preserving the rest of the tooth. Once the tooth has been cleaned thoroughly, it’s sealed with a biocompatible material.
- Extraction.
Sometimes, the tooth may be too damaged to be saved and must be removed. This is the last resort, as your dentist will try to preserve your natural tooth as much as possible.
- Antibiotics.
Antibiotics are not always necessary but may be prescribed if the infection has spread or you have a weakened immune system.
Can a dental abscess be managed at home?
No, an abscess is a dental emergency that needs to be managed by a qualified dentist as soon as possible. If the cause of the abscess is not addressed, the infection will only continue. There are ways to reduce the symptoms at home. You can:
- Take over-the-counter pain medication.
- Rinse your mouth with salt dissolved in water.
- Apply a cold compress to your cheek.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky foods or chewing on the area.
- Continue to practise good oral hygiene.
However, it’s essential to visit a dentist immediately. Abscesses can become very serious if they’re not taken care of promptly and correctly.
At which part of the tooth does a dental abscess occur?
An abscess can occur in different areas near the tooth for various reasons. However, it commonly forms in two areas: near the tooth’s root or in the gums.
A periapical abscess is found at the tip of the tooth’s roots and is usually caused by a diseased tooth, decayed tooth, or injury. A periodontal abscess is found in the gums and is often caused by gum or periodontal disease.