Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, ID is a great option when you need relief from severe tooth pain. One of the many causes of a deep toothache is a dental abscess, which must be treated professionally.
What Is a Dental Abscess?
Abscesses are bacterial tooth infections. They generally appear between the tooth and the gum tissue, putting both at risk.
These infections are often caused by cavities, injuries, or broken/old dentalware—all of which can expose the inner parts of the teeth and gums to bacteria. This bacteria enters the space around the tooth. A gum abscess will start as a minor irritation, and eventually, it develops into a full pocket of bacteria, pus, and sore or swollen tissue.
How Can I Recognize an Abscessed Tooth Infection?
Every infection will have a unique cause and position around the abscessed tooth, but cases will have several general symptoms in common. If you suffer from some of the following, you may have one or more abscessed teeth:
- Severe, often throbbing tooth pain
- Swelling in your gums, face, or cheeks
- Pain that has spread to the jawbone, neck, or ears
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Sensitivity to the pressure of chewing or biting
- Tender or swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
Toothache & Tooth Pain
A toothache or tooth pain is often the first sign that you may have a tooth infection or tooth abscess. Tooth pain may vary in severity from mild discomfort to soreness and throbbing. If you are suffering from tooth pain, you should not wait to contact a dentist near you. Treatment is often quite simple and our expert staff can help make sure your discomfort is quickly resolved. Schedule an appointment with our dentists serving Boise, Meridian, ID and beyond to find relief for your tooth pain.
Tooth Abscess Treatment
One way to begin addressing abscessed teeth is to start a regimen of antibiotics. This will help destroy the bacteria that has caused the tooth infection to begin with. However, this will not complete the healing process on its own. The infected area must also be cleaned.
To that end, there are several different ways that this cleaning can proceed, depending on the location and situation of the dental abscesses.
- Gum Abscess Cleaning | If the gum abscess is near the surface, it can often be treated by draining the abscess through a small puncture. After this, the area will be washed with a sterile solution that can destroy any remaining bacteria.
This process is ideal if the tooth itself is still completely healthy and if the abscess is accessible.
- Root Canal Treatment | This form of tooth abscess treatment may be the right path if the infection from the abscessed tooth is very deep, often at the tip of the tooth root.
The phrase “root canal” has a bad reputation, but the truth is that this process is very straightforward. In fact, it is no different than a standard cavity filling, except that it cleans the root rather than the crown. When abscessed teeth are involved, a root canal treatment can provide instant pain relief and dramatically increase your oral health.
Learn More About Root Canals - Tooth Abscess Extraction | If any abscesses have become too severe or too much damage has been caused to the tooth structure itself, a tooth abscess extraction may be necessary.
While we always strive to save teeth whenever we can, extraction is sometimes the only way to completely clean an infection or to save nearby teeth.
Early Prevention Tips for Dental Abscesses
A proactive approach to oral health can significantly reduce the risk of developing dental abscesses. To boost your current oral health and prevent any more problems or abscesses in the future, follow these guidelines:
- Schedule Routine Checkups | Regular dental checkups, ideally every six months, play a crucial role in early detection and prevention of potential issues.
- Keep Up with Daily Personal Hygiene | Incorporate a consistent oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash. This helps in removing harmful bacteria that can lead to infections.
- Pay Attention to Your Diet | Reduce sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as they can erode enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay and infection.
- Maintain Your Dental Appliances | If you have dental appliances, ensure they’re well-maintained and checked regularly. This includes switching out your toothbrush (or toothbrush head) every 3–4 months for better cleaning.
- Guard Your Teeth | Protecting your teeth during physical activities with a mouth guard can prevent injuries that expose teeth to bacterial invasions.
- Listen to Your Body | Lastly, never ignore minor tooth discomfort or sensitivity. Addressing small issues before they escalate is key in preventing more serious complications like abscesses.
At Blaisdell Family Dentistry, serving Boise, Meridian, ID, and many more, we believe that prevention is the cornerstone of optimal dental health, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Why Blaisdell Family Dentistry?
When it comes to tooth abscess treatment, you’ve come to the right place. Blaisdell makes it a point to provide only the most professional treatments and modern techniques.
If you have any questions or concerns about dental abscess treatments, feel free to contact us today. We’d love to help!
