One of the main dental procedures we like to avoid is the dreaded root canal. Such a horrible reputation it has. If you have an abscessed tooth, you will welcome a root canal with open arms. Abscessed teeth are painful and dangerous; they need to be treated quickly and appropriately.
How a Tooth Becomes Abscessed
An abscessed tooth is the painful result of an untreated cavity or dental injury. If the inner layer of the tooth, known as pulp, dies and the area becomes infected, an abscess can occur. The abscess refers specifically to a pool of pus that collects at the edge of the tooth’s root.
The pulp is the part of the tooth that brings it life. It is a soft tissue that contains the nerves and blood vessels keeping the tooth alive. If the pulp becomes infected and dies, the tooth dies with it. If this infection leads to an abscess and goes untreated, it quickly becomes very dangerous. Learn how to spot the symptoms and get yourself treated.
Symptoms
- Severe toothache
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Painful bite
- Fever
- Swelling
Treatment
An abscessed tooth is treated with a root canal. The infected area will be removed along with any bacteria. The area is then cleaned and sealed. If necessary your dentist will start you on antibiotics to clear all infection. The tooth may also require a crown to keep it protected and functional.
Prevention
Proper dental hygiene is always your best defense against a dental infection. An abscessed tooth can also be avoided by quick treatment of tooth decay or infection. Don’t procrastinate your dental visits. Decay can go unnoticed until it is too late.
Let the caring staff at Eagle Rock Dental Care be the ones to help steer you away from tooth decay. Our skilled team can spot potential problems before they get out of hand. Contact us for scheduling or request your appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!