What You Need to Know About an Abscessed Tooth
If you have ever had a toothache, you know how miserable it can be. In some cases a cavity gets so low into the tooth that it actually touches the nerve. This is what causes the pain. As the cavity becomes worse it can actually develop into an infection. This infection can be very serious if not treated. Here are some things that you need to know about an infected or abscessed tooth.
What Causes an Abscessed Tooth?
An abscessed tooth is usually caused by a cavity that has become so deep that it gets into the gums of the mouth. For example, you might have had a cavity that was corrected with a crown. However, over time the tooth under the crown may start to wear down again. If you don't catch the cavity soon enough it will continue to grow and grow until it reaches the gums and infects them.
The best prevention for an infected tooth, then, is to catch cavities early on, before they become serious. If you feel any kind of tooth pain, don't delay; get to the dentist right away. If you stay on top of your six-month checkups, the dentist should be able to see cavities and correct them before they become so serious that they infect the tooth and gums.
How Will I Know I Have an Abscessed Tooth?
There are a couple signs that your tooth has become infected. Most people notice the pain first because it can be excruciating. It can be so bad, in fact, that it can wake you up in the middle of the night. Second, you might notice a small pocket of puss in your gums. If you feel any lumps or a ball around the base of your tooth, this is serious and should be treated. Lastly, if you are running a fever, this is a sign that the infection has become severe and you need immediate treatment.
What Treatment Should I Seek?
For an infected tooth you need to see a dentist right away. First, he or she will prescribe you antibiotics. You will have to take the medication for a couple days to help the infection. Once the infection has gone down, your dentist will do the surgery on the tooth. He or she may need to extract it, or a root canal might be necessary. It is completely dependent on how the tooth was affected.
By understanding an abscessed tooth you can get the right treatment that you need and avoid complications. Set up an appointment with an establishment like Peak Family Dentistry & Orthodontics today and end your tooth pain.