Toothache is unbearable pain and makes one rush to the dentist immediately. The tooth is a rigid structure, but it does have sensitive parts like the nerve. If triggered once, it sends stinging pain. There are multiple reasons for this; one of such is a dental abscess. Read this blog to know more about tooth abscess and its stages and treatment.
Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess is an oral disease that causes pus collection. When it is not drained or cleaned, the pus forms an abscess because of bacteria. The infection negatively affects the teeth structures resulting in constant sharp or dull aches.
Tooth Abscess Stages
A tooth abscess has 5 stages:
Enamel (Outer Layer) Decay
Enamel is the protective first layer of the tooth, so the first one is affected. Plaque buildup is the main cause for this cycle to start. Some people may not experience other symptoms, while others may suffer from sensitivity.
Dentin Decay
If the enamel decay is not treated promptly, the infection goes into the dentin. Once the tooth abscess is in its second stage, the affected person will have increased sensitivity or even a small hole in the tooth.
Pulp Decay
Your pulp is the deepest layer inside the tooth and is soft and responsive to external triggers. Once the bacteria reaches this layer, it easily infects the nerves causing throbbing pain. After a nerve infection, it dies, and abscess forms.
Abscess Formation
After the pulp, it goes deeper– inside the jaw, bone and gums. The gums swell and form a boil over it.
Further Complications
Some complications that are associated with untreated tooth abscess are:
- Sepsis – bacteria spreads in the bloodstream, resulting in a fatality.
- Tooth loss – nontreated decay eventually causes the tooth to fall off.
Causes of a Dental Abscess
The main reason for tooth or dental abscess is plaque because of improper brush and flossing. Other reasons include:
Injuries
In case of minor impacts or accidents like toothbrush head hit, sticky, crunchy food, etc., cut the gum tissues allowing easy entrance for the bacteria, resulting in an abscess.
High Sugary Diet
Poor diets which are high in sugars aid in plaque buildup. If the person does not have a proper oral regime, decay will develop into an abscess later.
Tooth Abscess Treatment
The treatment depends on infection severity; few options available are:
Abscess Drainage
If the abscess has not developed more, your dentist will easily drain it out. The dentist will make a small cut on the bump and drain the fluid. Next, he shall clean the site and prescribe antibiotics for clearing the infection internally.
Root Canal
A root canal becomes essential when the bacteria reach the dental pulp. The dentist goes towards the infected pulp area, drains the pus as well as taking removes the infected root. Finally, the area is cleaned, reshaped, and covered via a dental crown.
Tooth Extraction
Dentists opt for extraction when the tooth is not savable, or retaining it could potentially harm.
After removal, the socket is covered with sterile gauze and applied pressure for 20 minutes, and stitched if required.
Final Outlook
Tooth abscess needs immediate dental attention; it is a state of emergency. Contact best Vesna Arezina DDS for affordable dentistry in Houston call 281 469 7469 for scheduling an appointment.