Emergency Treatment for a Gum Infection in Clearwater, FL
A gum abscess is a dental emergency. This painful, pus-producing bacterial infection can develop in or around a tooth root or in between a tooth and gum. The most common cause is advanced tooth decay or damage that allows bacteria to enter a tooth through a cavity, chip, crack, or worn enamel. Long-term gum (periodontal) disease can also cause an abscess. If left untreated, the infection can potentially spread to the jaw bone, which can lead to tooth loss, and throughout the body, which can result in serious health issues.
What Are the Symptoms of a Gum Abscess?
Some warning signs of a gum infection include:
- A severe toothache with or without chewing
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- A dull ache or throbbing pain in the gum
- Redness and swelling in the gum
- A visible open sore on the gum
- A bitter taste in the mouth
- Bad breath
- Fever
- Swelling in the jaw
How Is a Gum Abscess Treated?
To treat a gum infection, a dentist may:
- Drain the abscess – To allow the pus to drain, the dentist will make a small incision in the abscess, then wash the inflamed area with a saline solution.
- Perform a root canal – After drilling into the affected tooth, the dentist will remove the infected pulp and drain the abscess. Next, the dentist will carefully clean the tooth’s pulp chamber and root canals, then fill them with a rubber-like material. Finally, the tooth may be strengthened with a crown.
- Extract the tooth – If the affected tooth cannot be saved, the dentist may extract it, then drain the abscess to resolve the infection.
- Prescribe antibiotic therapy – If the infection has spread to nearby teeth, the jaw, or other areas of the body, the dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading further.
When Should I See a Dentist for Gum Abscess?
If you notice any symptoms of a gum abscess, you should contact a dentist as soon as possible. At Florida Dental Centers, we provide prompt and reliable emergency dental care services in Clearwater, FL. Don’t wait for the pain to become unbearable or the infection to spread. Our team will help you feel better and achieve the best possible outcome.
