Abscessed Tooth Treatment
in Laurel, MD
What Is an Abscessed Tooth?
Dr. Batz & Weiner Family Dentistry provide treatment for a painful abscessed tooth in Laurel, MD. Our highly skilled dentists understand an abscessed tooth can cause many problems. An abscessed tooth is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection in your tooth or gum. A dental abscess causes moderate to severe pain that sometimes radiates through your upper body. If left untreated, a severe infection may cause a life-threatening condition. A tooth abscess will not disappear without treatment. Even if it ruptures, you still need to visit us to ensure the infection doesn’t spread to other areas in your body. We use state-of-the-art technology and experience to make you comfortable while treating your tooth. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Contact Us
Causes of a Tooth Abscess
The tip of your tooth’s root becomes infected when bacteria invade its dental pulp. The dental pulp contains your tooth’s nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The bacteria often enter through a chip or crack in a tooth and spread to the root. Gum disease or an injury causes a periodontal abscess on your gums. A gingival abscess is usually caused by a foreign body embedding itself in the gums.
Types of Dental Abscesses
The most common types of dental abscesses include:
Periapical Abscess
A periapical abscess is an infection at the tip of your tooth’s root.
Periodontal Abscess
The pocket of pus forms on the gum next to the tooth’s root. This abscess may spread to the surrounding bone and tissue.
Gingival Abscess
A gingival abscess is an infection of the gums.
Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth
The most common symptoms of a dental abscess include:
- Persistent and throbbing pain
- Chewing sensitivity
- Fever
- Swelling in face or cheeks
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Tender, swollen lymph nodes
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
Dental Abscess Prevention
The best ways to avoid dental abscesses include:
- Brushing teeth at least twice a day
- Drink and use fluoridated water
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months
- Use dental floss daily
- Limit sugary foods
- Visit your dentist regularly for routine cleanings
Treatment for an Abscessed Tooth
We’ll examine the severity and location of your dental abscess to determine its treatment. Some treatment options for dental abscesses include:
Draining
We’ll make a small incision in the abscess to drain the infection.
Root Canal
We can perform a root canal by drilling into the abscessed tooth to drain the pus and remove any infected pulp. We’ll seal the chamber and possibly place a crown on the tooth for additional strength.
Tooth Extraction
If the tooth is severely damaged, we may need to remove it and then drain the abscess.
Contact Dr. Batz & Weiner Family Dentistry Today
A tooth abscess can lead to severe pain and infection. If you notice any tooth infection symptoms, contact us immediately. Our compassionate team at Dr. Batz & Weiner Family Dentistry will find a quick and effective solution to your dental problems. We’re proud to offer comprehensive dental services for the entire family. Contact us today to make an appointment.