Dental abscess is one of the dental emergencies that need immediate attention. Abscesses don’t just get better in time, and no over-the-counter pill can treat them. It is a serious dental emergency that can lead to more serious issues if not attended to.
Castlemaine Smiles Dentist treats all dental emergencies in Castlemaine and the surrounding areas. A Same Day Emergency Appointment is usually available to relieve you of your pain and inconvenience as soon as possible.
What Is A Dental Abscess?
Dental abscess is the formation of pus inside the teeth, gums, or in the bone that holds the teeth in place. It is caused by a bacterial infection resulting from different dental issues.
When the abscess occurs at the root of the tooth it is called a periapical abscess. When it is in the gums next to a tooth root, it is called a periodontal abscess.
Both types of abscess have to be treated by a dentist before they can spread and damage the surrounding bone and teeth.
What Causes Dental Abscess?
A periapical abscess usually occurs for the following reasons:
- Severe tooth decay
- Errors/ Injury from prior dental work
- Dead or dying tooth nerve and/or pulp
A periodontal abscess usually occurs for the following reasons:
- Food lodged between the gum and the tooth.
- Gum disease.
Abscesses can form very quickly. They usually develop one or two days after the infection starts. Once they form, they do not go away on their own. They can develop for months or even years, slowly spreading to the bone and the teeth. In some cases, an untreated dental abscess can form a fluid-filled bubble (cyst) in the jawbone.
First Aid Tips
Once you notice pus in your mouth, it is important to call your dentist right away. Only your dentist can accurately diagnose the cause of your dental abscess. Determining the cause of the dental abscess is significant to the treatment of the issue.
We have listed quick and easy first aid steps to control your dental abscess before you can visit your dentist.
- Rinse your mouth with a salt-water solution (1/2 teaspoon for every 8 ounces of water) several times a day.
- Do not put aspirin on your gums. It cannot alleviate the pain and can only burn the gums.
Treatment Of Dental Abscess At Castlemaine Smiles Dentist
Your local dentist at Castlemaine Smiles will first drain out the pus, then proceed to identifying the real cause of the dental abscess. It is important that the cause of the abscess is addressed; otherwise a new dental abscess is likely to form.
Your dentist can employ one of the following treatments:
- Antibiotics
- Tooth extraction
- Root canal treatment
- Periodontal surgery
Castlemaine Smiles Dentist, Your Local Dentist In Castlemaine
Administering proper first aid is crucial to alleviate pain during dental emergencies. But to ensure absolute safety, visiting your dentist immediately is just as important.
Same Day Emergency Appointment is usually available at Castlemaine Smiles Dentist.
Call us on (03) 5472 1377 or request your appointment online today!