Abscess

A dental abscess is an infected area that can result from any process that causes a serious oral infection, including gum disease, tooth decay, tooth impaction, an oral injury, or chemotherapy. Regardless of the source of the bacteria, they settle in the pulp of the tooth and spread to the bone, causing a severe infection. This infection cannot resolve on its own and must be treated by an emergency dentist.

Notably, pus is not a cause of disease but rather a natural byproduct of white blood cells accumulating and dying at an infection site. As such, pus is not usually the first sign of a dental abscess. More likely, the patient will experience one or several of these sensations:

• Mouth redness
• Toothache
• Gum pain
• Bad taste
• Chewing difficulty
• Swollen jaw
• Elevated temperature

These are potential signs of an infected abscess, which warrants immediate attention from a qualified dentist. If you cannot get to a dentist right away, treat the area gently with soft foods and soft brushing. Avoid hot drinks and sugary foods. Consider OTC painkillers such as ibuprofen until you can reach your dentist’s office.

To treat an abscess, your dentist will drain the pus and examine the area. In cases of severe decay, they may perform a root canal or tooth extraction to prevent the infection from spreading. They will use local anesthesia to numb the area so you don’t feel anything.

After-care for a dental abscess includes painkillers, antibiotics, and a soft food diet for a few days until the site heals. While abscesses are relatively common in people with poor dental health, these symptoms should not be ignored. To prevent abscesses, practice good oral hygiene and be sure not to miss your twice-yearly dental cleanings, which are your best defense against oral bacteria.