Dental Abscess: Early Signs and Effective Treatments

One of the more common dental health issues that bring people to R&J Dental in San Antonio, Texas, is dental abscesses. 

An abscess is a collection of pus brought on by a bacterial infection. It can develop in your gum tissue, at the tip of your tooth’s root, or in your jawbone. 

A dental abscess is a clear and urgent warning sign that something has gone wrong and that immediate dental care is needed. 

Potential causes of a dental abscess 

An abscess is a symptom of another dental health problem. Some of the issues that can lead to an infection and resulting pus include:

• Broken or chipped tooth
• Cavities that extend deep within a tooth
• Advanced gum disease (periodontitis)
• Traumatic tooth injury

A dental abscess is almost always preventable. Regular visits to Habib Rahemtulla, DDS, and his team for dental exams and professional cleanings will allow early identification and treatment of dental decay or damage. 

Signs of a dental abscess

Knowing what to look for can help you decide when to seek treatment for a dental abscess. The most common sign of a dental abscess is pain near the affected tooth or gum. It can be sharp or throbbing, steady or come and go, and might also radiate into the neck, jaw, or ear. 

Here are some additional symptoms associated with a dental abscess:

• Tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold temperatures
• Swelling in your jaw
• A draining or pimple-like sore on your gums
• Fever 
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Foul breath
• One or more loose teeth

If you detect any of these changes, reach out to book a diagnostic visit immediately. 

Treatments can stop the infection and may save your tooth

Once Dr. Rahemtulla determines the presence of an abscess and learns more about your overall dental health, he creates a customized treatment plan that aligns with your needs and goals. 

Sometimes, a small incision into the abscess allows the accumulated pus to drain from the area, giving your body a chance to heal. A course of antibiotics can help eliminate the infection. 

Another common treatment approach is a root canal. This process removes infected tooth pulp and replaces it with an inert material. The treated tooth is sealed with a small filling and sometimes covered with a dental crown, restoring normal function. 

Although tooth extraction is never Dr.  Rahemtulla’s preferred treatment, there are times when it is the best available option for treating an abscess. 

Don’t ignore the symptoms of a dental abscess

It’s important to understand that the infection that causes dental abscesses can spread to other parts of your body, creating widespread and serious harm. 

Don’t suffer severe dental pain when help is just around the corner. We are here to help eliminate pain and restore your dental health. 

Call R&J Dental to schedule a visit, or check the online booking page. Additionally, you can walk in for urgent dental care when the San Antonio, Texas, office is open.