Abscessed Tooth: Is It A Dental Emergency?

What is a Tooth Abscess?

A person who has developed an abscessed tooth is usually in a lot of pain. This infection usually occurs between the teeth and the gums or at the tooth’s root. Understanding what causes an abscessed tooth is an important step toward preventing the occurrence of this dental issue in the future. It is critical to seek treatment from a dentist as soon as possible to prevent the condition from worsening. But what exactly is a tooth abscess? A tooth abscess can be defined as a buildup of pus in or around a tooth’s root.

Acute dental abscesses are characterized by a sudden and painful swelling of the gums and surrounding tissues. The symptoms may interfere with sleep and overall function. As per recent studies, over 22% of people experience pain and discomfort related to tooth abscesses but choose to ignore it until it is too late. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your nearby dentist to determine which oral issues can be considered as dental emergencies and need immediate care and attention.

Symptoms of Tooth Abscesses

A throbbing pain near a tooth or in your gums is the most common indication of an abscessed tooth. The discomfort usually strikes quickly and worsens over time. The other symptoms of this dental condition include:

• The presence of high fever.
• Having a bad taste in your mouth.
• Painful or swollen lymph nodes under your jaw and neck.
• Swelling and redness of the face.
• Engorged Gums.
• Dental sensitivity and discomfort.
• Intense pain that radiates to your ear, jaw, or neck.
• Pain that gets worse after lying down.
• Experiencing pain while biting and chewing.

If you are experiencing these symptoms you need to visit your dentist as soon as possible. If a tooth abscess is left untreated, the infection can progress to other parts of your body leading to more serious health complications.

Are They Considered As A Dental Emergency?

Since it is difficult to foresee how a dental infection will spread, any tooth abscess should be treated as an emergency. Any visible swelling in the gums, whether or whether it produces pain, is potentially harmful and should be treated as quickly as possible. The purpose of emergency care is to halt the spread of infection. Generally, this will require the use of prescription antibiotics.

In extreme cases, it may necessitate intravenous antibiotics as well as an incision and drainage operation in which a surgeon opens the swelling to allow the pus to drain. This lessens pain and relieves pressure. In case you are suffering from an advanced case of an abscessed tooth, then you may need to visit the ER for a dental emergency.

The Bottom Line

Lastly, we hope our blog has helped you to understand whether a tooth abscess falls under the category of dental emergencies. If you require the best emergency dental services in Denver, CO, then please visit us at Smile Studio Dental. We offer customized treatments for our patients.