Is a Tooth Abscess an Emergency?

A tooth abscess is a small pocked of pus resembling a pimple that forms on your gums. If you’ve recently noticed you’re dealing with one, you might wonder what caused it and whether you should get emergency dental care in Brambleton.
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Usually, dental abscesses are considered emergencies that need immediate care. Left untreated, an abscess could have serious side effects on your oral health.
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Check out this short blog post to learn more.
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What Can Cause a Tooth Abscess? 

The most common cause of an abscess is a tooth infection. If a large cavity is left untreated, it allows harmful bacteria to get inside the tooth and start eating the natural pulp and enamel.
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As the infection grows, it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the gums, and form an abscess. If the condition is indeed caused by a tooth infection, you’ll most likely experience the following symptoms too:
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• High levels of pain
• Sensitivity to heat and cold
• Pain when applying pressure to the tooth (such as while eating)
• Discolored teeth 
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Abscesses usually form when your body is dealing with an infection, and they are a sign that bacteria is spreading. Patients may also develop this condition as a result of gum disease, an infection that attacks gum tissue.
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With gum disease, you can experience the following symptoms:
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• Oral bleeding, especially when brushing or flossing your teeth
• Red and swollen gums
• Gum retraction, which makes your teeth appear longer
• Loose teeth
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Why You Should Always Treat a Tooth Abscess Right Away

No matter if it’s caused by a tooth infection or gum disease, you need to see an emergency dentist as soon as possible to treat your abscess.
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Left untreated, the infection will continue to spread and eventually create permanent damage to your smile. Both a tooth infection and gum disease loosen teeth and may require extraction in some cases.
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Seeing an emergency dentist is the best way to treat the abscess and restore your oral health. Here’s how tooth abscesses are usually treated:
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• First, you’ll get a thorough consultation, which can include X-rays to determine the cause of the abscess
• If possible, the abscess is then drained to remove the pus
• The underlying cause of the abscess is treated. If it’s a tooth infection, you likely need a root canal, while gum disease will require deep cleaning and antibiotic gel
• If the infection has spread a lot, you may also need to take oral antibiotics for a few days
   

Bobbio Family Dental at Birchwood’s Emergency Dental Services

If you’ve noticed a tooth abscess or are experiencing another type of dental emergency, don’t wait for a regular dental appointment.
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Call Dr. Bobbio at (571) 371-0767 right away for an emergency dental appointment and get your oral health restored swiftly.
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For a regular appointment, you can request a visit to Bobbio Family Dental at Birchwood online.