I have an Abscess. Is This an Emergency?

Your tooth pain is becoming unbearable. Upon closer examination, you notice that the gum next to the affected tooth is a bit swollen, and you have a constant foul taste in your mouth. You suspect you may have an abscess. The question now is: should you seek emergency dental care, or can you manage it with over-the-counter medication until your regular appointment? 

Here's what you should know. 
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Understanding What a Tooth Abscess Is

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in the mouth as a result of a bacterial infection. It can occur in the gums, between the teeth, or at the root of a tooth. Tooth abscesses can be extremely painful and cause serious health problems if left untreated.
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How to Tell If You Have a Tooth Abscess

If you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, then there's a good chance you may be dealing with an abscess: 

• Severe tooth pain that gets worse when you apply pressure to the tooth
• Swollen gums
• Fever
• Difficulty swallowing
• A foul taste in your mouth
• Redness and tenderness in the gums
• Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks. 
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Is a Tooth Abscess a Dental Emergency?

A tooth abscess can be a dental emergency, especially if the infection has spread beyond the tooth and into the gums or other surrounding tissues. If you are in severe pain, have a fever, and have difficulty swallowing, you should get in touch with Dr. David Keeling right away. We offer same-day emergency appointments and will make sure to see you and treat you as soon as possible. 
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How Is a Tooth Abscess Treated?

The treatment for a tooth abscess depends on the severity of the infection and the location of the abscess. Here's how we usually treat dental abscesses at DK Dental Care:

• Prescribe Antibiotics: If the infection is minor and has not spread beyond the tooth, we usually start with a cure of antibiotics to help kill the infection.

• Draining the Abscess: If the abscess is large and painful, we will drain the pus from it. We usually do this by making a small hole in the abscess or by performing a root canal procedure.

• Tooth Extraction: If the abscess is severe and the tooth cannot be saved, we may recommend extracting the tooth.

• Pain Management: Because we understand that you will probably experience some discomfort even after the treatment, we recommend over-the-counter or prescription pain medication to help manage your pain. 
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Dealing with an Abscess? Don't Wait a Minute Longer. Call Us Now! 

It is important to remember that a tooth abscess is a serious dental issue that requires prompt treatment. If you suspect a tooth abscess, rest assured that the team at DK Dental Care can help you. 

Call us at (414) 529-3253 to tell us about your emergency, or contact us online.