An abscess of any kind is a potentially dangerous condition that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. And an abscessed tooth, in addition to being very painful, has an added layer of concern because it also puts you at risk for needing an extraction. Fortunately, root canal therapy will relieve the pain from an abscessed tooth in Saratoga while saving your tooth at the same time. Keep reading to find out what causes an abscess and why it’s so important to have it treated right away!
What Is an Abscess and What Causes It?
A dental abscess is a collection of pus that’s caused by a bacterial infection (or cavity) in your tooth. Cavities occur when specific bacteria in your mouth consume leftover food particles after meals (especially sugars or carbohydrates) and produce acids that eat away at the enamel. If left untreated, a cavity destroys the outer layers of a tooth and eventually reaches the inner pulp where the nerve is located. This usually leads to an abscess and could include any of the following symptoms:
- A pimple-like bump on your gums
- A swollen lip or face
- Severe pain when chewing or when pressure is applied to the tooth
- Pain that prevents you from eating, sleeping, or going to work
- A throbbing sensation
- Lingering pain after eating something hot or cold
The Importance of Treating an Abscess Right Away
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above and think you might have an abscessed tooth, it’s imperative to get treatment as soon as you can. An infected tooth can become dangerous or even life-threatening if it spreads to other areas of the body. In most cases, a dentist or endodontist (root canal specialist) will recommend a root canal to treat the abscess, relieve your pain, and also save your tooth from being pulled.
Treating an Abscess With Root Canal Therapy
Many people have a fear of root canals, but the truth is that they’re much easier than you would expect and actually get you out pain when you have a toothache.They’re the only procedure that can treat the infected pulp in the center of a tooth while preserving the rest of the tooth structure, ultimately saving the tooth so it can continue functioning normally.
Also, keep in mind that endodontists have years of advanced training and experience to make sure that patients are completely comfortable throughout the procedure. Many patients even say that root canal therapy in Saratoga was no more difficult than getting a dental filling. Most importantly, it will help you move forward with a healthy smile for many years to come.
About the Author
Dr. An Nguyen is an endodontist who completed her advanced training at the Saint Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education. In addition to being highly-skilled, she’s known for her warm, reassuring chairside manner that makes root canal procedures comfortable for every patient. If you have any questions about root canal therapy in Saratoga, she can be reached via her website.
