The condition of your teeth and gums can affect the rest of your body. That is why professional dental cleanings, examinations, and restorative care are so important. For most people two cleanings a year is ideal. These preventative appointments help identify issues like gingivitis, fractures, and decay before they become complicated dental emergencies.
When a tooth becomes abscessed or infected it can cause a lot of discomfort. If you suspect that you have an abscessed tooth please call us right away for a dental emergency visit. Our office is located near Santa Clara. We reserve time in our schedule to treat patients who have a dental emergency. Dr. Antonious has treated many patients from Santa Clara over the past two decades.
Periodontal disease, tooth decay, or tooth fractures may cause an abscess to occur. When the decay in a tooth grows and eventually inflames the tooth’s pulp, a periapical abscess may form. An abscess that occurs within the bone and gum tissue surrounding the teeth is a periodontal abscess provided that the infection did not originate from within the tooth itself. If left untreated, it may spread to the adjacent bone and soft tissue.
If you have an abscess you may experience temperature sensitivity, a loose tooth, swelling, redness, painful throbbing, a dull ache, or a sore on the gums that may or may not be draining. The throbbing pain associated with many abscesses will normally increase in severity until the cause is treated. Anything that touches the tooth including food, a tooth brush, or even touching the outside of the cheek may cause discomfort.
Your dental emergency exam will usually start with an x-ray that will show areas that are not visible in the mouth such as the area between the teeth and the root. Tests will be done to help the Santa Clara area dentist identify the cause of your pain. He or she will ask you to describe what you have been experiencing.
The dentist may decide to prescribe an antibiotic that will reduce but not eliminate any infection that is present. Be sure to let them know if you have ever had an allergic or adverse reaction to any medications. It is also very important to follow the directions on the prescription and not to miss or be late for any of the doses. Carefully following the directions will help you to feel better faster.
The treatment for a periapical infection is root canal therapy. The Santa Clara area dentist will give you anesthetic to ensure that you are comfortable while he cleans and fills the tooth from the root tip up. A buildup and crown are the last step in restoring a tooth with a periapical abscess. If the dentist advises you that a root canal is not possible, an extraction would be necessary. There are many ways to replace an extracted tooth. These options will be explained to you.
The treatment for a periodontal abscess is scaling and root planning (deep cleaning) or periodontal surgery. A dentist of dental hygienist will numb you for these types of gum treatment. After treatment, it may be recommended that you schedule more frequent dental cleanings until the periodontal disease is under control.