Abscess Tooth & Infections

A tooth abscess is a severe infection that forms around the root of a tooth or in the gum tissue. It can cause extreme pain, swelling, and serious health risks if left untreated. If you think your experiencing symptoms of an abscess, you need immediate emergency dental care to prevent the infection from spreading. Our experienced emergency dentists in both Vancouver offices are ready to provide fast relief and effective treatment.

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that results from a bacterial infection. It can develop in different areas of the mouth:

• 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.

If you have an abscess, you may experience:

• Severe, persistent tooth pain that may spread to the jaw, ear, or neck.
• Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw.
• Pus drainage from a swollen area in the gums.
• Fever and chills (a sign of a spreading infection).
• A foul taste or bad breath due to pus leakage.
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing (a sign of a serious emergency).

At our Vancouver emergency dental office, we provide comprehensive treatment for dental abscesses, including:

• We will carefully drain the pus to relieve pressure and pain.
• In some cases, an incision may be needed to remove infected material.

• If the infection has reached the pulp (the tooth's inner tissue), a root canal may be necessary.
• The infected pulp is removed, the tooth is cleaned, and a crown is placed to protect the structure.

• If the infection is too severe, the tooth may need to be removed.
• We offer dental implants, bridges, and other tooth replacement options after healing.

• If the infection has spread, we may prescribe antibiotics to prevent further complications.
• Antibiotics are commonly used when facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing is present.

A abscess tooth is not something you can ignore—it can lead to:

• Bone loss around the tooth.
• Tooth loss if the infection spreads.
• Sepsis, a life-threatening infection that spreads to the bloodstream.
• Facial swelling that could restrict breathing if untreated.

If you suspect you have a dental abscess, do not wait—call us at Vancouver Emergency Dentist, immediately.

If you cannot see a dentist immediately, follow these steps to manage discomfort:

• Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day to help draw out infection.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) to manage pain.
• Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Stay hydrated and avoid sugary or acidic foods that can worsen the infection.

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!