Four Ways A Dentist Can Help Treat Abscesses Of The Teeth
An abscess of the tooth is a very painful condition that can have serious repercussions if not treated in time. It usually happens when the root of a tooth is infected by bacteria. The bacteria reach the root of the tooth via a crack or cavity. The infection then spreads to the pulp and all around it. At this stage, the immune system begins its own fight against the bacteria and cuts off blood supply to that particular area. As a result, pus gets collected inside the tooth and forms an abscess. If you are suffering from severe pain in your teeth, you should visit your dentist immediately because it can be due to an abscess. Here are four ways your dentist can help treat abscesses of the teeth:
1. A Dentist Can Rinse Out the Abscess
Sometimes, your dentist might be able to treat an abscess simply by draining it and rinsing out the area with hydrogen peroxide. This doesn't always work but is a good first step when you have an abscess that isn't too severe or painful.
2. A Dentist Can Offer Root Canal Therapy For An Abscess
If you have an infection in one tooth, a root canal might be your best option for treatment. The procedure involves drilling down into the tooth to remove the infected pulp inside. The dentist will then insert a filling material into the tooth and seal it up tightly. This will keep any new bacteria from getting inside and causing problems later on.
3. A Dentist Can Help With Antibiotic Treatment For An Abscess
As soon as you suspect you have an abscess, you should see a dentist right away, even if this happens over the weekend or on a holiday. Your dentist will examine your teeth and determine whether they've been infected by bacteria. If they have, they'll prescribe antibiotics to kill off the bacteria and prevent further infections from taking place in your mouth.
4. A Dentist Can Prescribe Appropriate Pain Medication
Dentists can prescribe various medications to help with the pain associated with an abscessed tooth. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may not be strong enough to relieve the constant throbbing pain that is attributed to an abscessed tooth. Your dentist will be able to prescribe a stronger medication that will help reduce the inflammation and dull the pain associated with an abscessed tooth.
You should see a dentist about an abscess because it can affect your jaw, head, and neck and can travel to other parts of the body. An abscess can also lead to the loss of a tooth if left untreated. For more information on how a dentist can help with an abscessed tooth, get in contact with a dentist today.
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