A Dental Abscess Means Severe Infection
And A Serious Periodontal Problem
A dental abscess is an infection, typically affecting the root of a tooth and the surrounding gums. What may start as a tooth fracture or an infection of the tooth interior (root) can quickly progress into a more severe problem. Furthermore, when periodontal disease is a factor, the pocket that surrounds each tooth is often compromised, becoming loosened and more prone to trapping bacteria.
If you have a dental abscess, you probably already knew that something wasn’t quite right. You may have experienced a toothache that has gone untreated for an extended period, and you may now feel a buildup of pressure in your cheek, jaw, or the surrounding area. You also might notice a bulge or blister on your gums around the affected tooth.
When a dental abscess develops, it won’t go away on its own. Most often, your dental team will need to extract the tooth or perform a root canal to remove the problem. You may also receive a prescription for antibiotics to help control the infection.
After treatment, make sure to maintain your oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing. We may also recommend that you receive additional checkups to maintain your periodontal health, and so that we can monitor the progress of your healing.
If you suspect you have a dental abscess, don’t wait any longer for the problem to get worse. You may be risking the health of your surrounding teeth. Call us today at (510) 233-4470 to schedule an appointment.
