Abscess Tooth Treatment in Parker, CO
Understanding Tooth Abscesses
At Signature Smiles Dentistry, we’ve observed that a good number of our clients from Parker, CO have questions about tooth abscesses. They want to know what a tooth abscess is, what are the symptoms, and most importantly, what abscess tooth treatments are available. An abscess is primarily a bacterial infection within the pulp of your tooth, which can result in a pocket of pus either within the teeth or gums. The pain can range from moderate to severe and, if not treated, the infection may even spread to other parts of your body, including your jaw, neck, or spinal cord.
Differentiating Types of Abscesses
We categorize tooth abscesses into three main types, which vary according to where the infection is located:
- Periapical Abscess – This type of abscess is situated at the tip of your tooth’s root.
- Periodontal Abscess – This infection is located on the gum near your tooth’s root.
- Gingival Abscess – This abscess type is found within the surrounding gums.
Occasionally, we also encounter pericoronitis, an infection specifically related to wisdom teeth removal. To safeguard your long-term dental health, it is vital to address these issues promptly.
Identifying Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess
Being aware of tooth abscess symptoms can help you detect the condition before it escalates. If you’re experiencing intense throbbing pain around a specific tooth or have noticed any of the following symptoms, please reach out to us right away:
- Red, swollen gums
- Pain while chewing
- Tooth sensitivity
- Loose teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Bad breath
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Facial swelling
- Fever
- Tender lymph nodes
Progression of a Tooth Abscess
Understanding tooth abscess stages can help you appreciate the severity of this condition and the urgency required to treat it. An untreated abscess doesn’t just resolve on its own; it can progress, causing severe pain and potentially spreading the infection to other body parts. Our experienced team at Signature Smiles Dentistry is proficient in handling these cases, ensuring prompt and effective treatment.
Tooth Abscess Treatment Options
Often times, we might try to avoid dealing with dental pain. Maybe we think it will go away on its own, or we’re afraid of the treatment we’ll have to go through. With dental abscesses, this definitely shouldn’t be the case. They will not go away on their own. Addressing the issue can often provide immediate pain relief and eliminate the possibility of future issues. Thankfully, there are a number of treatment options that Signature Smiles Dentistry in Parker, CO can help you navigate:
- Root Canal – A root canal is a very common method of treating an abscess. This procedure is performed by drilling a hole into the infected tooth to drain the abscess and cleaning out all of the infected pulp. This may also be followed with the placement of a tooth cap or crown to protect the area.
- Draining – A minor surgical procedure may be performed to drain the abscess. The team at Signature Smiles Dentistry will make a small incision in the tooth abscess in order to drain the pus and clean out the area.
- Antibiotics – Treatment through antibiotics will not cure the abscess in the mouth, but Signature Smiles Dentistry may prescribe them if the infection has progressed significantly. They can help deal with the after-effects if the tooth infection has spread to other parts of the body.
- Extraction – Occasionally, an abscess may lead to the tooth experiencing an extensive amount of damage. After the team at Signature Smiles Dentistry evaluates the area, they may decide that the tooth is beyond repair. In this case, they may decide that the best path forward is to drain the tooth and drain the pus from the abscess.
Seek Immediate Relief From Discomfort
Don’t endure the pain of a tooth abscess. Whether caused by sugary drinks, a lack of brushing, or trauma, we are prepared to provide immediate relief. Taking action within the first couple of weeks of experiencing pain can bring significant relief.
Reach Out to Us Today
Remember, no matter your age, anyone can suffer from a tooth abscess. Reach out to us at Signature Smiles Dentistry today. Don’t suffer in silence; we’re here to help you navigate this dental emergency.