Struggling with a dental abscess? Discover what is causing it, the complications associated with it, and how to manage dental abscesses with this comprehensive guide.
What is a dental abscess?
A dental abscess is an infection that can occur in the mouth and can affects the teeth, gums, or bones that support the teeth. Some of the most common symptoms I see when treating dental abscess patients are pain and swelling in the affected area, which can sometimes be severe. The area may also be red and inflamed, and there may be a visible lump or swelling in the mouth. In some cases, the abscess may cause a fever or other systemic symptoms, such as fatigue or weakness.
If you suspect you have a dental abscess, it’s important to seek a dental professional right away for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What does the start of a tooth abscess feel like?
So what does the start of a tooth abscess feel like? Symptoms of a tooth abscess can vary, but the most common symptoms seen are pain and swelling in the affected area. This pain can be severe and can range from constant to occasional. The swelling may be visible as a lump or swelling in the mouth, and the area may be red and inflamed. In some cases, the abscess may cause a fever or other systemic symptoms, such as fatigue or weakness. It’s important to contact your dentist immediately if you think you may have a tooth abscess.
What are the symptoms of a tooth abscess spreading?
What are the signs of a tooth abscess spreading? If a tooth abscess is left untreated, it can spread to other areas of the mouth or body and lead to further complications. Symptoms that may indicate that an infection is spreading include severe pain in the affected area, swelling in the face, neck, or jaw, a fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and generalised fatigue or weakness. As described, the symptoms of a tooth abscess spreading can vary, but they may include:
- Severe pain in the affected area that may radiate to other parts of the head or face
- Swelling in the face, neck, or jaw
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- A change in the appearance of the abscess, such as the development of a visible opening or sinus tract
- Generalised symptoms, such as fatigue or weakness
If you have a tooth abscess and you are experiencing any of these symptoms seek immediate medical attention from your dentist. Delaying treatment may worsen the infection and cause more serious health issues.
Are dental abscesses serious?
If you have a dental abscess you will want to know how seriously they should be taken. Oral abscesses can be serious and if left untreated, can lead to more serious complications. Typically affect the teeth, gums, or the bones that support the teeth, the most common symptoms of a dental abscess are pain and swelling in the affected area.
If left untreated, the infection that causes the dental abscess can spread to other parts of the mouth or to other areas of the body. This can in turn lead to more serious health problems. So it’s my advice that if you show symptoms of a dental abscess, as detailed in this article, it’s advisable that visit your dentist for treatment as soon as possible.
Is a dental abscess an emergency by the NHS?
Does the NHS classify a dental abscess as an emergency? Yes, a dental abscess is indeed considered to be a dental emergency and in most cases be treated using the NHS services. If you have a dental abscess and you are registered with an NHS dentist, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible to discuss treatment options. If you are not registered with an NHS dentist or if your dentist is not available, you can visit an NHS walk-in dental clinic or call NHS 111 for advice. Treatment for a dental abscess typically involves draining the abscess to remove the infected material and help relieve pain and swelling. In some cases, however, extraction may be necessary if the infection is too severe to treat.
What treatment is given for someone with a tooth abscess?
If you have a tooth abscess, treatment is available to relieve your pain and swelling; Treatment for a tooth with an abscess typically involves draining the abscess to remove the infected material and help relieve pain and swelling. This can often be done by your dentist, who will numb the area and make a small hole in the abscess to allow the infected material to drain out. If the abscess has developed significantly in size or if the infection is more severe, your dentist may refer you to a specialist, usually an endodontist for treatment. In some cases, the affected tooth may need to be extracted if the infection is too severe to be treated. It’s important to get emergency dental care if you think you have an abscess as delaying treatment could result in more serious complications.
What antibiotics should I use for a dental abscess?
Should you use antibiotics and if so which antibiotics should you use for a dental abscess? Antibiotics are usually used when treating a dental abscess; They can help to kill the bacteria that are causing the infection. The specific sort of antibiotic that is recommended for a dental abscess will depend on the severity of the infection and other factors, including the individual’s overall health and any other medical conditions they might have. Your dentist is best placed to be able to recommend the most appropriate antibiotic for your situation. As always with a prescription, it’s essential to take the medication exactly as directed and complete the full course of treatment in order to fully remove the bacteria causing the infection.
Can a dental abscess heal on its own?
Is a dental abscess able to heal on its own? In most cases a dental abscess will not go away on its own and will require treatment from a dentist. For this reason, it’s best to see a dentist as soon as possible if you think you may have a dental abscess.