An abscess is an infection, which can occur anywhere in the body, even the mouth. Dental abscesses can form at the root of a tooth and may or may not cause pain. In most cases, however, dental abscesses cause intense pain that cannot be relieved by even the strongest of pain medications. Whether or not you experience pain, you may wonder if a dental abscess is something to worry about. Today on our newest blog, Okemos family dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, shares how dental abscesses could be dangerous and how to prevent them.

What is a dental abscess?

A dental abscess can form when tooth decay spreads to the inner chamber of the tooth where the nerve and blood supply are. Trauma to a tooth can also cause a dental abscess because the tooth’s nerve is injured. Early stages of a dental abscess may present a twinge of pain that comes and goes but can quickly escalate to a throbbing toothache that leaves you pacing the floor all night long. Sometimes, dental abscesses form a pustule, which is like a pimple, on the gum. The face may swell and feel warm or hot to the touch.

What are the Symptoms of a Dental Abscess?

Symptoms of an abscess include:

• Severe pain and a throbbing toothache that can radiate to the jawbone, neck, or ear
• Hot or cold tooth sensitivity that lingers
• Pressure sensitivity
• Fever
• Facial swelling
• Bad breath
• Soreness in your neck and jaw from swollen lymph nodes
• Rotten or sour taste in your mouth

Why a dental abscess could be dangerous

You should know that a dental abscess may not be painful, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. The bacteria responsible for the abscess also enter the bloodstream because remember, the infection enters the tooth’s inner chamber where the blood supply is located. As a result, this could cause an inflammatory response throughout your body. High inflammatory markers in the blood increase one’s risk of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. But there are short-term risks of a dental abscess as well. A dental abscess could quickly spread to the brain or heart, causing an infection that could become deadly if not treated.

How to treat a dental abscess

If you have a dental abscess or experience any amount of tooth pain, you should see the dentist right away to rule out anything serious and to seek treatment. Treating a dental abscess almost always involves a course of antibiotics to reduce the infection. Then, a root canal procedure can be performed, which cleans the tooth’s chamber, removing the blood supply and nerves and cleaning out the infection.

The final step is to place a crown or cap over the tooth to make it structurally sound. Any tooth that has had a root canal must have a crown because removing the blood supply and nerve makes the tooth brittle and more susceptible to cracking or breaking. Worst case scenario, the tooth may need to be extracted if it is too far gone and unable to be saved with a root canal.

Preventing an Abscess

Since a dental abscess can lead to extensive repairs, tooth loss, or significant health consequences, it’s vital to prevent it in the first place. Prevent dental abscesses by practicing good daily oral hygiene like brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily to remove bacteria responsible for causing tooth decay. Additionally, get your teeth cleaned and a dental exam twice a year. This way, the dentist will catch any issues when they first appear, instead of waiting until you have a severe toothache. If you engage in impact sports, you should wear a sports guard to protect your teeth from injury that could result in an abscess.

Family Dentist in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, Michigan

Protecting your teeth can help save you money in the long run and protect your oral health as well as your overall health. With consistency and dedication, you can reduce the likelihood of needing a root canal. To learn more about protecting your oral health or schedule an appointment, contact Tenaglia Smiles by calling (517) 347-6733.