Signs You May Have A Dental Abscess

If you believe you have a dental abscess, Gateway Dental Care in Pleasanton, California, can help. Dr. Kitagawa and her staff are committed to providing quality dental care for the whole family at affordable prices. We offer comprehensive dental care and the latest technology for treating dental abscesses.

What is a Dental Abscess?

An abscess occurs when a pocket of pus develops around an infected tooth. The hard enamel of the outer tooth generally protects the soft tissue of the inner tooth and gums from the bacteria that occurs in the mouth from saliva and food. However, sometimes the bacteria enters into that soft tissue and gets infected, creating a pocket of pus in the affected area. There are different ways in which the bacteria can enter the inner tooth, including:

• Cracked Tooth
• Tooth Decay
• Deep Cavities
• Periodontal Disease
• Dental Abscess Symptoms

While there are occasional times that an abscess is only diagnosed through an x-ray, most often there are physical symptoms that there is an abscess is present. The first indication is often a sharp or throbbing pain. If you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, you might have a tooth abscess:

• Throbbing Pain
• Bad Taste In The Mouth
• Jaw Pain
• Fever
• Swollen Lymph Nodes
• Pain When Chewing
• Difficulty Swallowing
• Redness In The Gums
• Pimple Of Pus
• Sensitivity To Heat & Cold
• Preventing Dental Abscess

As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Regular brushing and flossing keep the unhealthy bacteria from staying in contact with the teeth for extended periods of time. Professional cleanings clean away the plaque that is hard to remove through brushing and flossing alone. However, sometimes the bacteria still finds its way into the inner soft tissue, despite our best efforts.

Abscess Treatment

If you suspect that you might have a dental abscess, it’s important to see your dentist right away. Possible treatment options include:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are usually necessary to treat the infection.
• Root canal: The dentist will often do a root canal in order to clean the pus out of the inner tooth and root canals.
• Tooth extraction: When a root canal isn’t enough to clear out the abscess, the tooth will need to be extracted.
• Surgery: Sometimes a surgery is necessary in order to thoroughly drain the abscess.

Quality Care for your Tooth Abscess

A tooth abscess always needs professional care. Dr. Kitagawa and her staff at Gateway Dental Care in Pleasanton, know how to quickly and effectively treat dental abscesses. If you or a family member are experiencing any signs or symptoms, give us a call today for a consultation.