Do You Have an Abscessed Tooth?

No one wants to think about the words “abscessed tooth” applying to their own mouth, but to paraphrase Sun Tzu, it’s a good idea to know your enemy. Causes of an abscessed tooth include:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• A cracked tooth

When a tooth is compromised by one or more of these conditions, bacteria may enter the pulp of the tooth and form a buildup of pus called an abscess. Left untreated, a serious infection may result. Some symptoms of an abscessed tooth may include:

• Pain and swelling
• Redness in the gums
• A bad taste in the mouth
• Fever

There are different methods for the treatment of an abscessed tooth. White Spruce Dental will assess the severity of the infection and may recommend one of the following:

• Antibiotics to kill the infection
• Draining the infection
• Cleaning between tooth and gum
• Root canal treatment

Practicing good oral hygiene and keeping up with routine dental checkups will reduce the likelihood of developing an abscessed tooth. If you want to discuss a troublesome toothache or any other oral health issue with Dr. Kenneth Nozik & Dr. John Tumminelli at White Spruce Dental, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.