Tips for a London Dentist about a Tooth Abscess
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.
