Emergency Dentist in Wayland Explains Signs of Abscessed Teeth

There are many types of dental disease that can appear when we least expect it. Gum disease is often touted as the silent killer by dentists and medical professionals alike, while tooth decay can wear down enamel permanently and force us to replace our teeth with implants. But what about the conditions that don’t get as much attention or aren’t as common as decay and gum disease?

Today, an emergency dentist in Wayland goes into more detail on abscessed teeth and what you need to do next in the event that one develops in your mouth.

What is an Abscessed Tooth?

An abscessed tooth is a condition where an infection moves through tooth pulp, which is located in the center of teeth, and begins settling into the root. Since the root is in such close proximity to the jaw bone, it has room to begin developing a swollen, pus-filled area, making that section of the gums very tender and sensitive.

If left untreated, this abscess can easily lead to an infection of the jaw and facial tissues. In the worst-case scenario, the infection can spread to the brain and be fatal.

What are the Symptoms?

An infection anywhere in the body is serious, but infections in such close proximity to the brain have the potential to be lethal. Therefore, it is critical that you get to an emergency dentist right away if you experience a combination of any of the following symptoms.

• Chronic bad breath that doesn’t go away even after brushing
• Gum inflammation
• Oral pain, particularly in the gums
• Facial swelling
• Swelling of the lymph nodes
• Fever

What is the Treatment for Abscessed Teeth?

Depending on the extent of the infection, the dentist can treat an abscess in a few different ways. In some cases, abscesses can be treated with antibiotics and draining the area alone. However, other cases may require a root canal to access the center of the tooth and remove the infection that way. This is often the case when a cavity or cracked tooth has exposed the pulp. It could be a combination of the two, but you won’t know for sure until you visit the dentist.

Why Routine Dental Appointments Matter

The American Dental Association recommends routine dental visits once every six months, but it’s only for keeping your teeth as clean as possible. They’re also intended to help people catch oral disease before it has a chance to develop into an abscess.

If you want to prevent dental emergencies, save money on restorative treatments, and avoid a whole lot of unnecessary discomfort, scheduling an appointment with a dentist in Wayland is an effective way to do it.

About the Author

Dr. Michael A. Putt earned his DMD degree from the Tufts Dental School. During his time serving in the Army, he worked as a dental surgeon for the 3^rd Special Forces Group and was awarded a Health Professions scholarship thanks to his expertise. To learn more about his practice or get your dental emergency treated, don’t hesitate to contact him through his website.