Dental Abscess In Edmonton

Periodontal Abscess

Advanced gum disease is the primary cause of periodontal abscesses. Rather than infecting the interior of the tooth, a periodontal abscess affects the surrounding tissues. This condition causes the gums to recede and pull away from the teeth. In that space, bacteria can multiply and infect the gum tissue.

Both types of abscesses can negatively affect your oral health. If you suspect that you have either of these conditions, we recommend calling an emergency dentist ASAP to have a closer look at the issue.

Symptoms

Are you concerned that you may have a tooth abscess? Watch for the following signs:

• Sharp pain. You may notice pain that is mild but persistent or the occasional intense toothache. The pain from an infection tends to get worse whenever you chew or apply pressure to the area. If the dental abscess continues to develop, it may cause a severe toothache that whenever something touches the tooth it causes pain.

• Gum disease. People with periodontal disease are at a higher risk of developing a tooth abscess. If your dentist has noticed signs of gum disease, be sure to take excellent care of your teeth to prevent a periodontal abscess.  

• Facial swelling. Excess fluid from the infection may lead to swelling in the cheeks, neck, and mouth. The gum tissue itself may be red and inflamed, especially around the infected tooth. 

• Pimples. Most of us get bumps on our faces from time to time, but pimples in your mouth are a lot more concerning. If the pimple ruptures, you will taste and smell something very unpleasant.

• Tooth decay. When a dental abscess forms, it weakens the tooth’s ability to receive nutrients and withstand the forces of your jaws. The tooth can deteriorate rapidly if there is an untreated infection.  

• Bad breath. The infection causes pus to form in the mouth, which can lead to bad breath. You may also notice a foul taste in your mouth.

When you detect signs of a tooth abscess, it’s important to schedule dental treatment right away. Otherwise, the infection may spread to other parts of your body, and you could develop sepsis.

Tooth Abscess Treatments

To treat the infection, a combination of regular cleaning, medication, and dental services can help a abscessed tooth. Here are a few options:

Root Canal

Infected pulp can be removed from the inside of a tooth via a root canal treatment. During this procedure, an access hole is drilled in the top of the tooth. The dentist will remove any tooth decay or tissues from the tooth root. They can drain the infected area to remove pus and other fluids.

Once the root canal is completed, the dentist can sanitize and seal the tooth with a filling material. Typically, you will require a crown to support a filling of this size.

Antibiotics

Many patients will discontinue the use of antibiotics once their symptoms begin to clear up, but we advise against this. Taking the prescribed medicine until it’s finished ensures that the infection will be eliminated completely.

While antibiotics can address the infection, you will still need dental treatment to repair the abscessed tooth.

Good Oral Hygiene

Using an antibacterial mouthwash and flossing/brushing regularly can help prevent an infection and tooth decay from developing in the first place. If you have cracked or damaged teeth, schedule a filling at the dentist to prevent bacteria from entering.

Extraction

Our dentists take every measure to save an infected tooth, but in some cases, an extraction is necessary.

In situations, the infection may cause the loss of the tooth. We provide extraction services that can put an end to your pain and discomfort. Once the tooth is removed, we can discuss a replacement method that works for you, whether that’s a dental implant, bridge, or dentures.