Inflammation Can Kill - Tooth Abscesses
Making regular appointments to have your teeth cleaned and treated for cavities or cracked teeth, will help you to avoid many adverse consequences. Fresh Pond Dental’s local Cambridge dental office can address and treat your dental infections. For help with identifying tooth abscesses and available basic treatment options, please read the following:
Tooth Abscess Symptoms
There are many symptoms, especially in the early stages, but toothaches are the most common. This is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Other symptoms include pain while eating or when pressure is applied, bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and fever. Later symptoms may include swelling of the infected area, the neck, and the upper or lower jaw in very serious cases. If untreated, this can ultimately lead to death, as in the case of this 12-year-old boy.
Treatment of Tooth Abscesses
If you believe you or a family member may have a tooth abscess, try rinsing with warm saltwater to sooth the pain. Basic pain relievers can help alleviate painful symptoms like toothaches and fever.
Often the tooth can be saved if caught early enough, so contact our local Cambridge dental clinic before the symptoms grow worse. Depending on the severity of the infection when it is first identified, hospitalization or surgery to drain the abscess may be required. Antibiotics are given to help fight the infection. This can help save the tooth and prevent later complications, even if a root canal is necessary. While not the recommend solution for every infected tooth, the severity of the abscess may make a root canal unavoidable.
Preventing Tooth Abscesses
Stopping gum infections before they truly start is the best thing you can do to treat dental problems and prevent tooth abscesses. Good oral hygiene will help. At our dental office in Cambridge, we recommend regular check-ups and cleanings to identify and treat tooth infections at their earliest stages.
For your next cleaning, treatment, or consultation, contact our dental clinic in Cambridge to schedule a time that will fit you and your family’s busy life.