What is an Abscessed Tooth?

A toothache can make you feel quite miserable. The pain could be sporadic and sharp or dull and constant. This is quite often one of the first signs of a tooth infection. Remember, pain is not normal. So, you must make an appointment to see your emergency dentist in Bethlehem, GA, at the first sign of any pain. The longer you put off the appointment, the more time there is for the infection to spread. There is no need to be miserable. A abscessed tooth is considered to be an emergency. Contact Gentle Dental Group today!

What is a Tooth Abscess?

An abscess is a pocket formed by a bacterial infection. It is typically filled with pus and causes significant pain for the patient. The abscess can occur anywhere around the tooth for any number of reasons. It can impact not just the one tooth but can also spread to the adjacent teeth and the surrounding bone.

When you visit your dentist office in Bethlehem, GA, you’ll learn about some of the factors that might be responsible for your abscess.

• Gingival infections. These types of infections begin in the gum. They typically do not impact the tooth or its supporting structures.
• Periodontal infections. These infections will begin in the tissues and bones that provide support for the tooth. This type of abscess is quite often the result of gum disease.
• Periapical infections. This kind of infection begins at the root tip. They typically occur due to the bacteria spreading to the tooth’s pulp through a cavity or other fracture.

Who is at Risk for an Abscess?

There are several risk factors for developing an abscess. Smokers, as an example, are twice as likely than nonsmokers to suffer from a tooth abscess. Smoking can lead to a dry mouth, as can several other conditions. Bacteria grow unchecked in a mouth that has lowered amounts of saliva.

A visit to your family dentistry in Bethlehem, GA, will reinforce healthy dental hygiene habits. Simply brushing, flossing, and keeping up with your six-month professional dental cleanings can drastically reduce the bacteria in your mouth.

There are some medications and illnesses that can weaken your body’s immune response. This can potentially make it more difficult for your body to combat germs and what should be a mild infection.

Be sure to mention to your Bethlehem, GA dentist, if you have any underlying conditions that may potentially put you at a higher risk for developing an abscess.

What Are the Potential Signs of an Abscessed Tooth?

If you have an infection in the tooth, you could experience any number of symptoms. Sharp or shooting pain is typically the most noticeable sign of an infection. The abscess may also result in pain when you chew, and it may also radiate to your ear, neck, or jawbone.

Dr. Hoang says there may be some sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures, along with swelling and redness on your gums. You may also see a white spot on your gums.

If your symptoms are accompanied by fever, you must call us ASAP. Discomfort or pain is not something that you need to live with for any period of time.

Will Abscessed Teeth Heal on Their Own?

Dr. O’Grady, an emergency dentist in Denver, CO, agrees that infections will not go away on their own. The pain you are feeling may stop if the infection has resulted in the destruction of the tooth’s pulp. But this simply indicates that the nerve is no longer working. The bacteria will continue to expand and spread. It will move onto the surrounding tissue and potentially make its way into your bloodstream.

Call Gentle Dental Group to make your appointment at our Bethlehem, GA office. We offer gentle family dentistry Bethlehem patients of all ages can rely on.