Family Dentist FAQ: How Dangerous Is an Abscessed Tooth?

An abscessed tooth occurs once the pulp in the root of a tooth becomes infected, and it is important to seek prompt treatment from a family dentist as it can become dangerous and lead to more severe oral health and general health complications if the infection spreads or lingers for an extended period of time.

A family dentist discussed the dangers of an abscessed tooth

Although an abscessed tooth has the potential to lead to more severe concerns, the good news is that a family dentist can effectively treat the concern. The following are four frequently asked questions family dentists receive about the potential dangers an abscessed tooth may present.

What is an abscessed tooth?

An abscessed tooth develops as a result of a tooth infection. A tooth infection may occur due to bad oral hygiene, dental trauma, or as a result of a failed dental procedure, and it involves an infection of the pulp that exists in the root of a tooth. The infected pulp leads to a pocket of pus near the tooth root. The pus must be removed to deal with the symptoms and prevent more severe oral health (and general health) concerns from developing.

What are the symptoms of an abscessed tooth?

The symptoms may vary among patients, but the most common symptoms to be mindful of for an abscessed tooth include gum complications such as gum swelling, red gums, tender gums and bleeding gums. There may also be a fair amount of tooth pain and pain around the affected area, along with a bad taste in the mouth. Patients with a more severe tooth infection may also experience a slight fever.

Can an abscessed tooth make you sick?

An abscessed tooth can make you sick if the infection is not dealt with in a timely manner. As mentioned, a symptom of a more severe abscessed tooth is a fever, which in an of itself can become problematic. If the infection spreads to other areas such as the jaw and other parts of the body, then it could cause difficulty swallowing or breathing, which may require a trip to the emergency room. If more severe general health concerns develop, then visiting a medical professional before you visit the dentist may be helpful.

How to handle an abscessed tooth

Due to the increased risk an abscessed tooth that is not treated promptly may present, it is essential to visit with a family dentist when symptoms first present themselves. This allows the family dentist to treat the concern in the earliest possible stages, which may prevent the need for extensive and more invasive treatment and ensures the infection does not spread.

Do you currently have an abscessed tooth?

Our family dentist helps patients with an abscessed tooth get the treatment they need, and we encourage you to give us a call if you have concerning symptoms that suggests you may have an abscessed tooth. We are glad to help you through each step of the abscessed tooth treatment process.

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