Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing Michigan
Nothing can ruin your day like a toothache. Maybe it feels like a stabbing pain, a persistent throb or a dull ache. No matter what form the pain takes, once a toothache develops it can feel impossible to find relief. All toothaches have one thing in common; they need to be evaluated by your dentist as soon as possible. One of the biggest risks associated with a toothache is an abscess, which can lead to severe complications and even threaten your life. Today on the blog, your emergency dentist in Okemos, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, wants to make sure you understand the possible dangers associated with an abscessed tooth.
What is a dental abscess and how does it develop?
An abscess refers to any infection in your tooth that has advanced or developed to the point a pocket of pus forms. An abscess can form anywhere in your mouth, but in most cases, it develops near the tooth root. A dental abscess is very serious. In addition to being extremely painful, it could lead to sepsis, which can be deadly.
Here are a few things you should know about abscesses:
They usually develop because of an injury to the mouth or due to a cavity that has gone untreated.
They can form quickly, sometimes in as little as 24 hours after infection forms.
There are two kinds of abscesses: a periodontal abscess, which usually develops between the gum and the tooth; and a periapical abscess, which is located at the tip of the tooth root.
What are the warning signs of an abscess?
The scary thing about a dental abscess is it may go unnoticed for quite some time before it gets detected. This is why regular checkups with your dentist are so important. Each of these appointments includes an oral exam, during which your dentist can detect signs of an abscess that you never would notice on your own.
Pain is the most frequently reported symptom of an abscess. This pain may be a constant throb, perhaps accompanied by sharp, shooting pains.
Other symptoms include the following:
- Enhanced tooth sensitivity, especially with regard to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Feeling pain when chewing
- Swelling that develops along the jaw or gum line
- Red and tender gums
- A consistent bitter or sour taste in the mouth, often in combination with bad breath
- Fever
- Swollen glands in the neck
If the pain in your tooth goes away, that doesn’t mean the infection went away. Instead, the infection could have destroyed the pulp of your tooth, which includes the dental nerve. Meanwhile, the infection also may be filtering through your bloodstream, affecting other areas of your body and possibly leading to sepsis—a life-threatening condition that can shut down vital organs.
How is an abscess treated?
You need to be seen by an experienced and trained dentist. Dr. Tenaglia can evaluate your toot to detect if there is an infection, then determine whether or not there is an abscess. From there, we can drain the abscess and treat the related infection. While we will save your tooth if possible (usually by performing a root canal), you may need to have the tooth extracted depending on the severity of the infection.
Relief for your dental abscess in Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing in Michigan
No matter when it develops, an infected tooth is serious. Don’t wait until it’s convenient to have a potential abscess treated. Dr. Christine Tenaglia and her team of oral health professionals at Tenaglia Smiles are here to help. Schedule an appointment today by calling (517) 347-6733 or contacting us online.