An abscess, or abscessed tooth, is an infection of either the tooth’s root or the gum. It can be caused by untreated tooth decay, gingivitis or even an injury to the tooth. Because the infection can spread so easily, it’s important to have an abscess treated as soon as you notice it.
You can suspect a probable abscess when you experience symptoms like redness and swelling of the gums, pain at the site of the swelling or even an open sore along the gum line. You may have a fever and may even notice swollen glands at the jaw line.
Call our office as soon as you notice the abscess and we’ll get you in for an emergency treatment as soon as possible. Along with a round of antibiotics to fight the infection, we’ll also recommend ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with the fever and discomfort. Once you’re in the office, we can drain the abscess and look into further treatment options, depending on the severity of the situation.
Avoiding abscesses can be done by attending rigorously to oral hygiene. Flossing, brushing and rinsing after every meal are important steps, as is making sure you’re keeping regular dental appointments for checkups and tooth cleanings.
