An abscessed tooth is an infection that needs to be treated to minimize risks to your oral health. If you think you have one, call Lovett Dental Jersey Village to find out when you can come in for an appointment for a cleaning and other dental services to resolve this problem. Infections like this can be dangerous if they are not treated, but our team can help you right away to resolve the problem.
Signs of an Abscessed Tooth
Many people have tooth pain and attribute it to a cavity developing or something they ate. However, there are times when an abscess may form. The pain from this type of infection can range from mild to severe, and it is likely to worsen if you do not treat it soon enough. Three signs that you could have an abscessed tooth include:
- Consistent tooth pain
- Signs of illness
- Changes to the jaw area
Sign #1: Pain That’s Consistent
Pain is a good indicator of an abscessed tooth. It is more likely to be this if you have pain that is severe and persistent. Sometimes the pain may not improve with pain medications. Many people describe the pain as a throbbing feeling. Others describe it as radiating from the jawbone into the neck and ear. Most often, it will worsen over time.
Sign #2: Signs of Illness
A fever is a very common part of the abscessed tooth. This fever is likely to develop over a period of time once the infection is significant. This is your body’s immune system trying to fight off the infection. You can expect the fever to last until the infection starts to improve. You may also feel cold and hot, sweaty, or weak from the fever.
Sign #3: Changes in the Jaw Area
An abscess forms, typically, along the gum line or in the root of the tooth. This can cause a number of changes in this area, such as:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Sensitivity to pressure when biting or chewing
- Swelling in the neck at the lymph nodes
- Swelling in the cheek or face
- Inability to bite in that area
If you have any of these signs of an abscessed tooth, do not wait long to call. That infection can spread, damaging tissues in the area while also leading to risks of getting into your bloodstream. That may allow the infection to spread throughout your body.
How Is an Abscessed Tooth Fixed?
When you come in to see our general dentistry services team, we will take x-rays and do an exam of the area. We are looking for signs of an infection and the location of it. Once it is found, your dentist will open up the area to allow the fluid within it to be released. Once this is done, we clean the area out thoroughly to remove the bacteria. Many people will need a root canal at this time.
You are likely to be given antibiotics as well. You will see this area heal over a period of a few days to weeks.
We may also recommend additional dental procedures that may be necessary for you if you need treatment. These can help to improve your oral health and help you to avoid the onset of additional health complications. We may recommend:
- Routine general dentistry services
- Deep teeth cleaning
- Periodontal disease treatment
- Tooth extraction procedures
- Root canal procedures
Call Lovett Dental Jersey Village Today
If you think you have an abscessed tooth, it’s important not to wait to get help. Our team at Lovett Dental Jersey Village offers a variety of dental services that can help you to restore your oral health and help you to feel better. Call us at 281-890-5002 or chat with us online now.
