London cosmetic dentistry

Posts Tagged ‘Tooth abscess’

City of London dentists prevent spread of dangerous tooth abscesses

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

Tooth abscesses are one of the most painful and least pleasant of all the dental conditions. Abscesses are caused when tooth decay has caused a breach in the protective enamel which has allowed bacteria to penetrate to the centre of the tooth and infect the nerve area. The human body responds to infection by producing an excess of white blood cells that attack the infection. This produces a yellowy substance called pus, which builds up around the infected area. In the case of a tooth abscess, this pus swelling occurs in the tissue surrounding the tooth and can become extremely sensitive and painful. This can make everyday tasks such as talking and eating very difficult or at times even impossible.

Tooth abscesses are therefore not very pleasant at the best of times. Not only are they painful and unpleasant but they also represent a wider risk to your health. In recent years, research has been carried out into the links between dental infection and heart disease. It has been proven that dental infection, if it enters the blood stream can cause a dangerous narrowing of the arteries around the heart that can cause heart disease and be potentially fatal. It also has links to strokes and cancer that need to be taken very seriously.

Root canal treatment from City of London dentist prevents infection

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

A root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is a procedure specifically designed to deal with infected matter or decay located in the centre of the tooth. To fully understand the procedure you must first know that the teeth are made of several layers of different material. On the outside is the tooth enamel, the strong protective layer which surrounds the softer dentine on the inside, supporting the structure. Inside that is the soft tissue centre of the tooth containing the nerve.

The root canal of the tooth is the pulpy soft tissue that runs down from the tooth into the jawbone and gum securing the tooth. The pulp contains nerve endings and blood vessels that form the living part of the tooth. When tooth decay happens, this pulpy centre and root canal can become infected spreading down into the gum and bone. Needless to say this can be very painful as the infection is directly attacking the nerve. This infection can also spread to the gums and can cause a painful swelling known as a tooth abscess.

The root canal treatment is designed to save the tooth and alleviate pain by preventing the spread of infection and ultimately removing it. To do this the dentist will need to drill down through the tooth to get to the infected area. In the hands of a well-trained dentist and with the proper anaesthetic this process should be relatively painless and no more painful than having a regular filling. Once the infection is removed the cavity is filled and then sealed with a dental crown to prevent further infection.

Root canal treatments have a bad reputation as being painful and unpleasant but the reality is quite different. A root canal treatment from a City of London dentist could actually prevent a lot of pain and stop the spread of dangerous infections in the mouth.

Root canal treatment from London dentist relieves pain of toothache

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

Of all the most feared dental procedures none is so iconic as the root canal. The obvious reason behind this is the presence of the dentist’s drill. But is the root canal treatment really that bad? Well, put simply, not really. In fact root canal treatments are often some of the most important procedures in dentistry, that can make the difference between keeping and losing a tooth. Ask anybody who has suffered the pain of a toothache or tooth abscess and been given some relief by a root canal and they would probably tell you the same.

A dentist will use a root canal when a cavity has extended to the point it has broken through to the root of the tooth. This then becomes infected and the infection gradually eats away the pulp and attacks the nerve. These nerves can be incredibly sensitive and the source of some of the nastiest toothaches. The dentist needs to get inside the tooth and remove all the infected material and depending on the state of the nerve, possibly remove that as well. If the infection has killed the root, the tooth may no longer hurt but the infection is still capable of spreading to other teeth and even entering the bloodstream.

The dentist uses the famous drill to penetrate to the root of the tooth. They will then extract any infected mater before filling the cavity with medicine to destroy any residual infection. The root canal will then be filled and possibly crowned to preserve the structural integrity of the tooth. The whole of the root canal will take place under a local anaesthetic so there is no reason why it should be any more painful than any other dental procedure.

After the surgery the patient may feel some numbness or pain for a few days but this will usually pass and can be controlled with over-the-counter pain relief. The bad reputation of a root canal is perhaps more associated with the pain that precedes it than the operation itself. A root canal could bring an end to some very unpleasant sensations and still leave you with your own tooth at the end of it. Credit where credit is due.

If you are suffering from a toothache, or have been recently, make an appointment with a London dentist as soon as possible and a root canal could offer you the relief you’ve been looking for.

Suffering from a tooth abscess? – see a London dentist

Saturday, September 12th, 2009

A tooth abscess is a collection of pus that results from a bacterial infection in the mouth. It is usually a complication of tooth decay but can also result from a trauma to the teeth, such as when a tooth is chipped or broken.

Small openings in the protective enamel of the tooth allow bacteria to infiltrate the pulp at the centre of the tooth causing an infection, which can then spread to other parts of the tooth causing more damage. The infection causes a build up of bacteria, white blood cells and other material which form pus deposits and cause swelling of the tissues.

The main sign that a tooth abscess has developed is a toothache, but if the infection has destroyed the root of the tooth an abscess may be still be present even though you can not feel any pain. It is always important to consult a dentist even if your toothache has ceased. Tooth abscesses are capable of spreading the infection to other teeth, gums and parts of the face, which may result in uncomfortable and embarrassing swelling.

The toothache associated with a tooth abscess is usually a continuous throbbing or knawing pain but other symptoms include a bitter taste in the mouth, a bad odour coming from the mouth, a general ill feeling or uneasiness, facial swelling and sensitivity when eating hot or cold food.

Treatments for tooth abscesses include swilling salt water to sooth the pain, over-the-counter pain relief and prescribed anti-biotics. In more serious cases, root canal surgery may be necessary or even the complete removal of the tooth if the infection has damaged it too severely. A hospital admission may even be necessary in some circumstances.

The best way to prevent a tooth abscess is to visit your London dentist for regular check-ups or if you are suffering from any kind of toothache. Catching the infection early can prevent the need for any further dental complications and even prevent further infection and sepsis.

London: An Ultimate Destination to Get Rid Of Tooth Abscess

Monday, September 7th, 2009

If you have an accumulation of pus near the root of the teeth, then you are suffering from tooth abscess. It can be painful at times. You can even lose your precious tooth. To begin with, you can try home remedies to remove the boil. But the pounding pain can keep you disturbed for long. Biting and chewing are the major things of your daily routine that gets affected. The redness and swelling makes it difficult for you to eat anything.
The foul taste of the pus can also make you feel disheartened. It spreads causing harm to the nearby tissues present on your face. London dentists are the ultimate solution to your problem. They provide you with extensive facilities to make you regain your oral health. Placing a dry tea bag or a potato can help you get rid of the initial worries. Tea tree oil and water can be excellent for gargling. It clears out all the infection from that area. You will feel fresh and the inflammation gets reduced too.
They can squeeze the infection and reduce the pain. A mixture of salt and baking soda is advised by the doctors. If the discharge begins, the pus can be removed carefully by slightly pressing the area. Decreasing pain can help you calm down too. Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide to ward away the foul taste. Garlic capsules act as a natural antibiotic. Consume it daily for a week to get rid of the pain. Consult the dentist for proper medications and regulate your eating habits.

See Your London Dentist for a Tooth Abscess

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

Even though you may experience pain and swelling with a tooth abscess, there is often a tendency to think it is not very seriously. Consider that if an open wound elsewhere on your body had the same symptoms, you would see your doctor immediately. Interestingly enough, a dental abscess is every bit as dangerous as every other type of septic infection. Therefore, you should see your London dentist as quickly as possible to have it taken care of.

Depending on the severity of the infection, your dentist can select from a number of treatment plans. For example, if the infection is relatively new, you may be able to take antibiotics to clear it up. In most cases, catching an abscess early on will reduce the chances of needing a root canal, or other types of procedures. This, in turn, will also help protect your gums and teeth from needing more extensive work years down the road.

If you are prone to infections, you may also want to ask your dentist about mouthwashes and oral hygiene procedures that will help prevent future infections. Among other things, you may be told to rinse your mouth with warm salt water, as well as to avoid eating certain foods. While sweets may not cause bacterial infections, you may be surprised to learn that sugar and high fructose corn syrup can most certainly encourage bacteria to grow faster than usual.

As soon as you sense that your gums are swelling or bleeding, it is very important to visit your dentist. When you have a dental abscess, it can easily evolve into a life threatening emergency. Considering how easy it is to treat this condition in the early phases, your best option is to see your dentist and obtain medication as quickly as possible.

Safe and Precise Root Canal Treatment in City of London

Saturday, March 21st, 2009

Also referred to as endodontics, a root canal treatment is usually done when the nerves of your tooth are believed to be infected or injured. Before being recommended this treatment, your City of London dentist will first make a proper assessment of your teeth’s condition.

At this point, it is important that you understand the need to undergo a root canal treatment before the pulp becomes too infected, resulting to abscess. If still untreated, the infection could spread to the rest of the tooth and it might be necessary to extract it.

Basically, the root canal treatment is designed to:

• Remove infection
• Clean the infected tooth
• Fill the infected tooth in order to protect it from another infection

During your first visit to the dentist, the pulp that is infected will be removed. In addition, all abscesses will be drained and the root canal will be thoroughly-cleaned as well as shaped as part of the preparation for a temporary filling.

On your second visit, the tooth will be checked for any signs of infection. If there are none found, your dentist can now fill the tooth permanently.

Although a root canal treatment can be painful, keep in mind that it is better to save the infected tooth than leave it until it rots out or even have it extracted. Most dentists would recommend this procedure in order for you to enjoy more natural teeth.

Caring for your tooth after a root canal treatment will require nothing special. Your City of London dentist will probably suggest a good oral hygiene program, healthy lifestyle and proper diet in order to ensure perfect oral health.

Your London Dental Clinic Treats Tooth Abscess

Saturday, October 18th, 2008

A dental abscess can cause pain, swelling and redness of the gums, bad breath, draining pus, and a temperature. If you have a bad toothache and/or are experiencing any of the above symptoms, call and visit your London dental clinic immediately. A dental abscess results from an infection either within the tooth itself, and immediately adjacent to the tooth/teeth in the gum tissue and/or supporting bone. If not treated, more serious problems can result, such as a cellulitis. This will cause massive swelling to that area of your face and can be life-threatening. The treatment may include root canal therapy and/or gum surgery to resolve the infections. Antibiotics will be prescribed, and possibly pain medication if the pain is severe. A dental abscess can result in tooth loss if not treated immediately!
The first thing your dentist will do is to examine your mouth and take the appropriate X-rays, so that they can determine which tooth or teeth are involved. There are also other tests that can be performed, such as percussion, heat and cold tests, and electrical stimulation tests to see if the tooth is dead. Your bite will also be checked to make sure that the pain is not caused by your tooth/teeth touching prematurely or at a wrong angle to each other. The dental abscess may be too far progressed to save the tooth, in which case the tooth/teeth will require removal. If an infection is present, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection before the tooth is removed. If this is not done, the infection may spread through the blood system. In addition, your dentist will place an ice-pack on your face and have you rinse with warm-salt-water (e.g., one teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water). There are things that you can do to prevent a dental abscess, which include brushing and flossing your teeth, and avoided sugary snacks between meals. Visit your London dental clinic regularly to prevent getting a dental abscess.

Tips for a London Dentist about a Tooth Abscess

Saturday, September 13th, 2008

Are you experiencing a bad toothache or are you noticing drainage, blood and/or pus next to a tooth or teeth? Then you should telephone your London dentist immediately! You most likely have an abscessed tooth. A tooth abscess is the result of an infection(s) that occurs in the tooth itself due to dental caries or in the gum tissue next to the tooth. It left untreated, the problem can extend further, to the point where the tooth is lost and further problems arise. If dental caries is left untreated, the harmful microorganisms within the tooth itself will continue to spread and will most likely cause pain or a dental abscess. An abscess associated with gum disease results in the spread of bacteria in the gum tissue next to the tooth, creating loss of supporting bone and a periodontal pocket where the abscess forms. This can result in the loss of teeth.
The signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess are: dental pain; swelling of the gums and redness in the area; a horrible smell coming from the mouth; a bad taste in the mouth; you may have a temperature and; a boil in your gum adjacent to the abscessed area.
How will your London dentist help you once he determines that you have a tooth abscess? Your dentist will prescribe an antibiotic for the infection, which will help to kill the bacteria involved with the tooth abscess. However, in order to treat the tooth abscess, your dentist will drill a hole in either your tooth or its supporting structure to alleviate the pressure built up in your tooth or gums to allow the abscess to drain, thus relieving the pain associated with the abscess. If the tooth is infected, a root canal will be performed if you and your dentist agree to the procedure, or the tooth may require extraction. The dentist will have you place an ice-pack on the area outside your mouth, rinse with salt water (i.e., one teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water), and may prescribe a pain medication or instruct you to use an over-the-counter pain medication.
In order to prevent an abscess, you should take proper care of your teeth and gums by: brushing two times a day, using dental floss to clean between your teeth, eating healthy foods and limiting sugar-based snack foods, and visiting your London dentist regularly for routine dental checkups.

Tooth abscess treatment in London

Sunday, July 20th, 2008

ooth abscess is a state when pus accumulates in or around the roots of a tooth. It causes severe pain and the affected tooth may loosen. Taking pain killers and draining the gum boil is just an act of first aid. It is advisable that you visit a dentist.

Symptoms of tooth abscess:
 Agonizing pain which increases on touching the tooth. Pain is severe when biting or chewing.
 Swelling appears on the gum which is red and the affected tooth loosens.
 Foul tasting secretion is discharged into the mouth.
 When the contagion spreads to nearby tissues swelling appears on your face and you develop fever.
Treatment of tooth abscess:

The aim of abscess tooth treatment in the dental hospitals of London or anywhere else is to first of all remove the infection. Once the infection is eliminated the tooth is preserved. This will prevent further complications.

The abscess has to be drained so that the infection can be eliminated. Root canal is the process through which tooth drainage is conducted. In some cases root canal surgery is also recommended so that any diseased root tissue is removed once the infection subsides. Finally a crown may be positioned over the tooth.

Drainage of the abscess can be carried out through the socket by extracting the tooth.

The last method of draining the abscess can also be carried out by slitting the swollen gum tissue.

Once the abscess is drained then you will have to take antibiotics to help you to fight the infection. To get relief from the pain and discomfort linked to an abscessed tooth, you can use over the counter pain killers or rinse with warm salt water.

Prevention of tooth abscess
Tooth abscess can be prevented by adopting good oral hygiene practices. And if you feel that your tooth has loosened then it is advisable for you to seek immediate dental attention.