Abscess Tooth Treatment in Vancouver

A dental abscess or tooth abscess is a serious infection that can be very painful. Many patients won't even know they have an infection until they see a dentist to diagnose it. It's important to understand that an abscess will not go away on its own, and if left untreated, can cause some serious complications to your health. 

If you are experiencing really bad tooth pain or facial swelling, our Vancouver dentist for abscess provides same-day emergency dental treatments to quickly diagnose the problem and begin treatment.

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection. It usually forms at the root of a tooth but can also develop in the surrounding gum tissue. As pressure builds inside the tooth or gums, you may feel throbbing pain that can radiate into the jaw, ear, or neck.

Types of Dental Abscess

• Periapical Abscess: Forms at the tip of the tooth root due to untreated cavities or trauma.
• Periodontal Abscess: Occurs in the gums near a tooth, often linked to advanced gum disease.
• Gingival Abscess: Forms in the gum tissue but does not affect the tooth or bone structure.

Regardless of its type, an abscess requires urgent dental treatment to prevent complications by an experienced dentist.

If you have an abscess, you may not know you have one. Seek emergency dental care if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Really bad tooth pain that spreads to the jaw, ear, or neck
• Any swelling in the gums, face, or jaw
• Pus coming out of a swollen area in the gums
• Fever and chills (a sign the infection is spreading)
• A foul taste or bad breath
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing (a sign of a serious emergency - Call Now!)

Swollen gums or facial swelling can be a clear sign to see the dentist to prevent complications.

Initial Examination

Your emergency dentist will:

• Talk to you about your symptoms and medical history
• Perform an oral exam of the area and entire mouth
• Take digital X-rays to determine abscess location and how bad it is
• Review the best treatment plan for you

Abscess Drainage

The first step is relieving pressure by numbing the area and making a small opening to drain the pus. This often provides rapid pain relief and reduces swelling.

Emergency Root Canal Treatment

If the infection began inside the tooth pulp, an emergency root canal may be necessary. This procedure removes infected tissue, disinfects the canals, and seals the tooth to prevent reinfection.

Root canal therapy is often the best way to save a tooth affected by an abscess.

Tooth Extraction When Necessary

If the tooth cannot be saved, removal may be required to fully eliminate the infection. Our Vancouver emergency dentist may recommend a tooth extraction to stop the infection from spreading and protect surrounding teeth.

After healing, long-term replacement options can be discussed if needed.

While waiting for emergency care, you can:

• Rinse gently with warm salt water
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed

These steps can help reduce discomfort but will not eliminate the infection. Call us at Vancouver Emergency Dentist immediately to get a same day appointment.

To reduce your risk of developing a dental abscess in the future, follow these steps:

• Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush and floss daily to prevent cavities and gum disease.
• Visit the dentist regularly: Routine exams and cleanings help catch problems before they worsen.
• Address cavities early: Treating decay before it reaches the pulp prevents abscess formation.
• Avoid chewing hard foods: To prevent cracks and fractures that can allow bacteria to enter.

A dental abscess is a serious condition that requires immediate attention. If you're experiencing severe tooth pain, swelling, or signs of infection, contact our emergency dental office today for fast and effective treatment!