Addressing an Abscessed Tooth in Green Bay, WI: When to Take It as an Emergency
A tooth abscess is a pus pocket that develops in your tooth because of an infection. If you have a dental abscess, see an emergency dentist in Green Bay, WI as soon as possible. When left untreated, an abscess can result in more severe infection in your jawbone, teeth, and surrounding tissues. This can lead to serious health complications.
An abscessed tooth may not present emergent symptoms, which is a good thing. However, a serious tooth abscess is quite painful and can create a dysfunction. When this happens, an emergency dentist should be sought as soon as possible.
Tooth Abscesses versus Tooth Infections
Tooth infections can develop because of deep cavities, a tooth crack, or gum disease. Their symptoms can include throbbing tooth pain, tooth pain when chewing or biting down, and intense tooth sensitivity to temperatures. Meanwhile, tooth abscesses develop once a tooth infection spreads into the root.
Tooth abscesses can be periapical abscesses or periodontal abscesses. A periapical abscess forms at the tip of the root of a tooth while a periodontal abscess develops in the bone next to the infected tooth. Advanced gum disease can result in a periodontal abscess because it can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth and create periodontal pockets where bacteria can develop.
Signs of Tooth Abscesses
Tooth abscesses can be painful; however, some people do not experience pain. Other symptoms of an abscessed tooth include swollen gums, tooth pain, a foul taste, jaw pain, and bad breath. In serious cases, a dental abscess can cause the formation of a pimple on the gum and the spread of bacteria to other body parts. A tooth infection may have spread if you experience symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, fever, and facial swelling. Additionally, serious tooth abscesses can make it hard to breathe and swallow.
Determining the Severity of an Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth must be checked by a dentist immediately. If you are worried you have this problem, reach out to a dentist near you to arrange an urgent dental appointment. During the consultation, the dentist will evaluate the seriousness of your condition and determine the best treatment plan to address the issue and prevent future complications. Also, the dentist will recommend treatment to relieve the symptoms you may be experiencing.
In most serious cases, an abscessed tooth will require emergency attention. A tooth infection can reach your brain and can threaten your life. Thus, the problem should be addressed quickly.
Testing for and Treating an Abscessed Tooth
Your dentist can determine if your abscess can be drained by carrying out a physical exam. Sometimes, they may request X-rays to show abscesses that have formed at the tooth’s deepest part.
If your dentist determines the abscess can be drained, they will cut it open, so the pus drains. Also, they may drain the abscess at the beginning of root canal therapy. Sometimes, the abscess ruptures without intervention. Typically, those who have an abscessed tooth are prescribed antibiotics to address the infection and pain medications.
If you have an abscessed tooth, contact your dentist as soon as possible, so you can get the necessary treatment before the condition gets worse. Keep in mind that while emergency dental can be costlier than standard treatment, visiting your dentist urgently is the wisest and safest option.
A dentist can relieve painful symptoms and treat the problem before it results in more severe health conditions. Also, getting treatment early can save you from higher costs down the road. Dental abscesses are infections that can hurt a lot. This is the reason you must practice good oral hygiene.
