Published on Apr 12 2024
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Have you ever experienced an abscessed tooth? If yes, you would know how intense and painful it is! A normal day can quickly turn into a nightmare because of the swelling, throbbing, and even an unpleasant taste in your mouth. When something like this happens, urgent relief is needed. An abscessed tooth is not only uncomfortable but also dangerous if treatment is not done. What should you do, then, if you come upon one?
This blog will cover the two main ways to treat an abscessed tooth: dental office professional treatment and at-home treatments that provide temporary relief. Now, which method is more effective? By the end of this blog, you will be able to better understand which treatment is the safest and suits you best to treat an abscessed tooth.
When a bacterial infection creates a pus-filled pocket inside or around the tooth, it results in an abscessed tooth. This occurs when germs from untreated cavities, gum disease, or a broken tooth get to the soft pulp of the tooth, which is home to blood vessels and nerves. Severe toothaches are often the outcome of the infection’s discomfort and swelling.
Now, you might be thinking, What are the symptoms of an abscessed tooth? Some symptoms of an abscessed tooth are listed below:
You should seek dental treatment right away if the swelling is so bad that it affects your ability to breathe or swallow.
However, if medical help is not given to the abscessed tooth, serious complications may arise. Sepsis, a potentially fatal illness, may result from the infection’s growth to your jawbone, nearby teeth, and other areas of your body. If the damage is not controlled, it may potentially lead to tooth loss. It’s critical to treat an abscessed tooth as soon as possible due to these concerns.
Ignoring an abscessed tooth might have serious consequences. Your other teeth, bones, and even organs might suffer damage if the infection spreads.
Sepsis, which develops when the infection enters your bloodstream, is the most dangerous risk. Early treatment is important since sepsis can be deadly. The issue gets riskier, and treatment alternatives may become more expensive and intrusive the longer you wait.
The first step in seeing a dentist for an abscessed tooth is a thorough examination. In order to determine the degree of the infection. Then the dentist will assess your symptoms physically; they will inspect the tooth and probably take X-rays. Following a diagnosis, they will suggest one of the following treatment options:
The dentist may make an incision and drain the abscess if it has resulted in severe pain and swelling. To relieve the pressure and agony, the dentist makes a little incision in the gums to drain the pus. Even though this may provide relief right away, it’s typically only the initial step because the illness itself will require more care.
A root canal is among the most popular procedures used to treat an abscessed tooth. A root canal involves the dentist extracting the diseased pulp from the interior of the tooth. This eliminates the germs and seals the tooth to stop further infections.
Root canals are useful in preserving the tooth and stopping the infection from spreading, even though they are frequently viewed as uncomfortable.
The dentist could suggest extraction if the infection is too bad to save the tooth. By removing the tooth, you can shield your general oral health and stop the infection from spreading.
Although it’s not ideal, in certain cases, losing a tooth is the best course of action to prevent the infection from getting worse.
Antibiotics may be prescribed in some situations if the infection has progressed outside of the tooth. Antibiotics can help manage the infection and lessen swelling. However, they won’t treat the abscess itself. They are frequently used with other treatments like extractions or root canals.
First up, we have the most basic remedy. A quick saltwater rinse is among the easiest treatments. You may lessen bacteria and soothe the irritated area by combining half a teaspoon of salt with warm water.
Once that’s done, rinse your mouth for 30 seconds. This treatment might reduce swelling and discomfort temporarily.
Next, you might use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek close to the affected area to lessen swelling and reduce the discomfort. For 10 to 15 minutes at a time, gently press a piece of ice wrapped in a towel on your face. The cold compress will help reduce the swelling.
Another home remedy is pain relievers. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are two examples of painkillers that may be quite helpful in controlling the pain that is caused by an abscessed tooth. As these drugs won’t cure the illness, they can make you feel more at ease as you await medical attention.
Next is garlic paste! Garlic can help in fighting against infections because of its natural antibacterial qualities. Put a paste made from crushed garlic cloves on the abscessed tooth. Use garlic carefully, as it might irritate your skin.
Last on the list is clove oil. It includes a natural analgesic called eugenol, which can make the discomfort go away. For short-term relief, use a cotton ball soaked in clove oil to the painful area. Although it won’t treat the underlying problem, clove oil can help ease discomfort.
How about we talk about why home remedies are not a substitute for professional care now? It is very important to keep in mind that home remedies are not a cure, even though they might help you manage the discomfort.
They don’t stop the infection, as they offer temporary comfort. Using just home cures increases the chance of complications by allowing the condition to worsen. This is why, even if the pain seems to go away with at-home remedies, it’s important to visit a dentist right away.
There are several signs that you need to see a dentist right away. You should visit a dentist immediately if you have a fever, severe swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, or excruciating pain that doesn’t go away. These symptoms highlight the possibility that the infection is spreading and could damage your health.
Now that you know all about an abscessed tooth, don’t let it go unattended. This is your sign to never take an abscessed tooth lightly. Yes, home remedies are effective to give immediate relief, but in order to completely treat the abscessed tooth, professional treatment is very important. Make sure to take care of your tooth as soon as you notice any signs of an abscessed tooth by seeking dental care.
Call Pro Dental in Blaine, MN, today to schedule your abscessed tooth consultation. Discover all the options for creating your ideal smile at 763-265-8388.