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Waking up with a radiating pain around your jaw or even your ear can be distressing. You may feel swelling in your teeth and discomfort all throughout the day.
While this happens, it’s natural to think about going to the emergency room, especially if you think it’s a tooth abscess. Let’s discuss what a tooth abscess is, why it can be dangerous, and how to know when you need emergency medical attention.
When to Go to the ER for a Tooth Abscess
If you think you have a tooth abscess, see a doctor immediately. A dental abscess is considered a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment.
This is especially true if you experience any of the following:
You’ll need to visit the emergency room (ER), where doctors can prescribe IV or oral antibiotics and pain medications. These can relieve your symptoms until you can book an appointment with your dentist.
Dental abscesses can arise from inside the tooth, called endodontic infections. Cavities, tooth decay, cracks, or physical trauma cause endodontic infections.
They can spread to the end of the tooth’s root, infecting the bone surrounding the root. Meanwhile, abscesses can also come from infections in the gums and bone around a tooth, called periodontal infections.
Endodontic infections usually require root canal treatment, and periodontal infections may require deep cleanings or gum surgery. If you don’t want to save the tooth, the treatment is extraction for either type of infection.
Your dentist can readily distinguish between endodontic and periodontal infections because they look quite different on a dental x-ray, although sometimes combined infections can occur.
Treating an abscess means removing the infection causing the abscess. To do so, your dentist may use the following treatment options:
Delaying treatment for a dental abscess can severely damage your teeth, bones, and supporting tissues. This can lead to dangerous side effects, such as:
An abscess won’t heal independently, and antibiotics won’t fix the infection. That’s why it’s vital to get immediate dental treatment.
Without proper treatment, a dental abscess can be dangerous and potentially cause life-threatening conditions, such as:
Although you can’t treat an abscess at home, there are ways to relieve its symptoms while you wait for professional dental care. These include:
When you have an abscess, you should also avoid eating hot, cold, or sugary foods. Try not to press on the area or pop any bumps because this can worsen the infection.
Don't delay seeking help if you suspect you have a tooth abscess. Your prompt action can safeguard your oral and overall health, so schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent further issues.
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