Can a Tooth Abscess Heal
When infection is present in the teeth or gums, pus accumulates in the tissue and causes painful, unpleasant symptoms that can cause extensive damage. This buildup of infection and pus is called a dental abscess. Dental abscesses won’t heal on their own, so if you think you have a dental abscess, seek your dentist as soon as you can. Some of the indications of a dental abscess include an intense ache or pain in your teeth or gums, redness and visible inflammation in the mouth and possibly outside the mouth on the jaw or face, sensitivity to extreme temperatures near the affected area, a foul taste and smell in the mouth, difficulty chewing and opening the mouth, and possibly even a fever.
To treat a dental abscess, your dentist will drain the infection to relieve pressure, pain, and the immediate risk of infection spreading. If the abscess is caused by an infection in your tooth, your dentist will recommend an urgent root canal treatment or, if the tooth damage is extensive, removal of the tooth. These procedures are performed with local anesthetic, so they’re not painful, and your dentist will recommend or provide pain medication to ease discomfort during recovery. You may also receive a prescription for antibiotics.
Dental abscesses can form for a few different reasons. Teeth that don’t erupt properly from the gums, known as impacted teeth, can become infected and lead to abscess, and tooth decay and gum disease can also cause infection to fester in the oral tissues and become abscessed. Dental abscesses can also develop following injury to the gums, teeth, or mouth, or as an effect of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Preventing tooth decay and gum disease with an effective oral hygiene routine can stave off complications like abscesses, and regular visits to the dentist can prevent infection and detect infection in its early stages. When abscesses do form, emergency dental attention will help relieve pain and eliminate symptoms, as well as preventing infection from spreading.
If you’re seeking emergency dental attention for a tooth abscess, call your dentist; if they’re not open, their answering service may offer suggestions for emergency dental care. If the swelling and pain of your abscess are interfering with your ability to breathe or to see clearly, or if you have a fever, seek emergency medical attention; a regular doctor can’t perform dental surgeries, but they can help reduce the threats posed by these extreme symptoms.
For less urgent situations, to relieve discomfort as you wait for your scheduled dental appointment, over-the-counter pain medications can provide relief. Eat soft, nutritious foods to avoid excessive pressure on the infected area, and avoid foods and drinks that are very hot, very cold, or excessively sweet. Keep the teeth and gums clean by gently brushing with a soft-bristled brush; many patients also find that rinsing and gently gargling with warm salt water can reduce discomfort while helping to keep the area clean. If you have a dental abscess, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as you can, but some home measures can make the wait a bit more bearable and reduce the risks that arise from an untreated dental abscess.