What is a dental abscess and how is it treated?

What is a Dental Abscess and How is it Treated?

A dental abscess is defined as the body's response to bacteria. These abscesses can occur anywhere in the body, not just in the mouth. They usually manifest with complaints of pain and redness.

Symptoms of Dental Abscesses

There can be many symptoms for the appearance of abscesses.

Some of these include;

  • High fever
  • Constant toothache
  • Sensitivity during eating
  • Swelling on the face and neck due to the abscess

With the onset of such symptoms, you can visit our dental office for an examination.

Types of Abscesses

Abscesses generally consist of two types.

These can be listed as follows;

  • Abscesses at the root of the tooth: It occurs due to inadequate and irregular oral care. Additionally, untreated cavities are also a significant cause.
  • Abscesses between teeth: These abscesses generally occur as a result of neglecting oral care. Food residues trapped between teeth are the biggest culprits.

Diagnosing an Abscess

A diagnosis can easily be made by taking an X-ray of the tooth. This way, not only will a diagnosis be made, but the problematic area will also be identified. The condition of the abscess and at which stage it is will also be determined. To start the diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment, you can visit our dental office in Denizli.

Abscess Treatment

For abscesses occurring at the root of the tooth, root canal treatment is generally applied. Assistance from endodontist specialists should be sought for this procedure. However, in some abscess treatments, root canal treatment alone may not be sufficient. In such cases, resorting to surgical procedures is the most appropriate option. If no response is obtained from treatment in both cases, extracting the tooth and applying implant treatment will be the best method.

For abscesses occurring between teeth, the area should be cleaned thoroughly. After cleaning, the abscess should be drained, and to prevent recurrence, the surfaces of the roots should also be cleaned. The patient does not feel any pain during these procedures.

Preventing Abscess Recurrence

  • Regular and proper oral care
  • Dental check-ups
  • Mouthwash for oral hygiene
  • Avoiding eating from the abscessed area
  • Cleaning residues accumulated between teeth

To obtain the most accurate and sufficient information, and especially for any oral problems you may be experiencing, we welcome you to our dental office in Denizli.