A common concern of ours here at Whiting Dental Arts is that patients sometimes underestimate how serious dental issues can be. Unfortunately, many dental issues start and progress unnoticed. By the time symptoms become noticeable, the issue is already quite severe. This is especially true with a dental abscess. A dental abscess can have serious impacts on not just your oral health, but also your overall health. In this article, we will cover the importance of treating dental abscesses and in preventative care overall.
What Is A Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a type of infection. Like most infections, it begins with harmful bacteria. An abscess forms around the tooth and usually under the gum. This leads to the formation of a pocket of pus that is beneath the gum. This can lead to some severe symptoms, including toothaches, swelling, and infection-related symptoms. A dental abscess is considered a dental emergency and requires immediate treatment from a dentist. However, if a dental abscess is left untreated, the effects can be even more serious.
A Dental Abscess Can Lead To Tooth Loss
The most obvious impact of a dental abscess is the localized damage to the surrounding tooth or teeth. The infection from the abscess can spread to the bone and gums around a tooth, which leads to structural damage, cavities, infected tooth roots, and eventually tooth loss. This infection can impact more than just one tooth and can also erode the supportive jawbone, which can make it difficult for patients to receive a dental implant to replace the lost tooth.
A Dental Abscess Can Lead To Other Infections
One common mistake is to think that oral health is separate from overall health. A dental absces can spread beyond the mouth and lead to sinus infections. In fact, in some cases, infection can even impact brain health and heart health as bacteria spread throughout the body. The mouth’s close proximity to the sinuses and the brain can lead to serious health risks that could require surgical intervention. And infection can also be carried throughout the bloodstream allowing the infection to become a holistic issue. At first, an abscess will primarily impact the gums and teeth where it is located, and will spread locally to the jaw, head, and neck. Luckily, by the time the infection begins to spread, most patients will notice symptoms and seek treatment.
Do You Still Need A Dentist If The Abscess Ruptures On Its Own?
Sometimes an abscess can rupture on its own leading to pus releasing into the mouth. A common mistake is to assume that this means the problem is over and that you do not need treatment. The root cause of the infection is likely still present and will not go away with intervening dental treatment. A ruptured abscess is still a dental emergency, and you should see a dentist right away.
Emergency Dental Office in Swampscott Massachusetts
Whiting Dental Arts provides emergency dental services to patients in Swampscott, Massachusetts. If you have a severe dental issue and need to see a dentist right away, please give us a call.