A dental abscess is no joke. It’s a serious dental issue that can get out of hand anytime, endangering your oral health and overall well-being. While toothaches and minimal pain can sometimes be endured for a period, a dental abscess cannot. It needs prompt attention from an emergency dentist.

When you have an abscessed tooth, you are dealing with an infection that occurs in the pulp of the tooth or the surrounding tissues. If not treated, the infection can easily spread, leading to searing pain, tooth loss, and even infections in the body. Being aware of the symptoms and the importance of early treatment is crucial in avoiding such problems.

What Is a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is a sac of pus that occurs due to bacterial infection. The infection can happen anywhere on your gums or teeth, but usually, it happens when bacteria infect the gums of the root of your tooth or the area surrounding the gums.

Abscesses can be caused by an untreated cavity, a hit on the tooth, or gum disease. Symptoms and signs of a dental abscess are:

• Severe toothache that doesn’t subside
• Swelling in the gums, face, or neck
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• A bad taste or smell in the mouth
• Fever (in severe cases)

Why a Dental Abscess is Considered a Dental Emergency

A dental abscess isn’t just another painful tooth issue – it’s an emergency. If not treated, the infection can spread to other parts of your body. Here’s why you must treat it urgently:

1. Danger of Spreading Infection

The bacteria responsible for a dental abscess may spread to other areas of the body at a fast rate and cause deeper infection. Though uncommon, it may also spread through the bloodstream to other organs and hence lead to life-threatening infections such as sepsis.

2. Pain and Swelling

A dental abscess can cause excruciating pain. Swelling from it can also disrupt chewing, swallowing, and even speech. The agony may be very intolerable, and the infection will worsen if you wait for treatment.

3. Risk of Tooth Loss

If you delay visiting an emergency dentist in San Jose, the infection could kill the pulp of the tooth and the bone around it. In most cases, if a dental abscess is left untreated, a tooth must be removed.

4. Systemic Health Complications

The longer you wait for an abscess to be treated, the worse the chances of developing serious health complications. A neglected dental infection may cause other systemic complications like heart disease, respiratory infections, and diabetes.

How to Treat a Dental Abscess

The moment you notice any signs of a dental abscess, immediately call an emergency dentist. The treatment usually involves draining the abscess to remove the infection and pressure, and a root canal or other dental work to save the tooth if possible.

In the worst cases, the tooth needs to be extracted in an attempt not to let the infection spread. Antibiotics are prescribed to disinfect the infection and prevent future complications.

A dental abscess is not an infection that you can wait out or treat yourself. It’s critical to get to the dentist as soon as you experience symptoms. Don’t hesitate if you experience any pain or swelling, or if you develop a fever.

Your dentist will evaluate the situation and advise what to do, but the key is to do it as soon as possible. The sooner you are treated, the greater the chance of saving your tooth and preventing serious complications.

If you suspect you have a dental abscess, don’t allow it to worsen. Call us at Sparkling Smile Dental today to schedule an appointment with our trusted professionals. It can be an emergency visit or routine care, and we are prepared to help you obtain and maintain a healthy smile.