As a young mother, I was reasonably ignorant when raising my firstborn. My biggest regret is that I didn't help her take better care of her teeth. Like many people, I didn't realise the importance of baby teeth, resulting in long-term dental problems. Recently, my daughter got married and some of my tears were for the beautiful, glistening smile she presented to the cameras. Ever since I realised the dental damage I had caused, I had been saving for my daughter to have cosmetic dentistry. The results are remarkable. During the course of this journey, I have learnt a lot about caring for children's teeth and corrective procedures that can be undertaken when issues arise. I am sure many of you would be interested in the latest knowledge and techniques that are available to prevent and repair dental complications. I'm Margret Devlin - thanks for visiting.
A dental abscess can turn a mild toothache into overwhelming pain with alarming speed. This type of infection has the ability to spread and overwhelm your immune system. The consequences of an untreated dental abscess can be very serious. It's definitely a health concern that should be assessed by an emergency dentist. You must not delay treatment until your regular dentist can see you—since any delays can increase your risk of complications. What can an emergency dentist do about your dental abscess?
A Periapical Abscess
There are different types of dental abscesses. A periapical abscess is the most common. This is generally caused by bacterial contaminants entering the tooth through a cavity or broken tooth. The infection has attacked the tooth's pulp (its nerve), which has now become painfully inflamed. The infection has also accumulated at the base of the tooth, and this part of your gums will be significantly swollen and uncomfortable.
A Periodontal Abscess
You may also have a periodontal abscess. This is when the tooth may still be intact, and the abscess has originated from an infection in your gums, centred around the base of a tooth. The symptoms will be practically identical to those of a periapical abscess, in that your gums at the base of the affected tooth will be inflamed and painful.
Your Infection
Whether you have a periapical or periodontal abscess, your swelling will have the same composition. It's made largely of pus. As the swelling grows, it compresses surrounding tissues and ligaments, which contributes to your pain. The swelling may develop a gum boil, which looks like a whitehead pimple. Do not squeeze it. It may burst of its own accord and partially drain, but the infection remains.
Draining Your Swelling
Your emergency dentist will drain the swelling. This must be done under sterile conditions. A small incision is all that's needed to breach the gum boil, which will immediately discharge foul-tasting pus into your mouth. You will want to rinse and spit immediately. You will also need a course of antibiotics to get rid of the infection.
Managing Your Infection
Draining the swelling (which will quickly alleviate your pain) and managing your infection is about the only emergency treatment you'll need. If the tooth needs restoration (such as if it was damage to the tooth that led to your infection), this is often delayed until your infection has subsided. You'll be referred back to your own dentist for this follow-up treatment if it's needed.
Never underestimate the seriousness of a dental abscess. Mild discomfort can become a significant infection surprisingly quickly, and your health may be in jeopardy. Always remember that a dental abscess needs immediate treatment.
For more information, contact a local emergency dentist.
Share21 July 2022
