Is a Dental Abscess Considered an Emergency?

Is a Dental Abscess Considered an Emergency?

23/03/2023

A dental abscess is an infection that starts in the mouth and, if left untreated, may spread to other areas of the body. Usually, this begins as a tooth infection, gum infection, or cavity. The chance of developing a tooth abscess rises if you have poor oral hygiene habits.

When Does a Dental Abscess Become an Emergency?

It can be exceedingly painful when the tissues are inflamed. When suffering a dental abscess, the pain from the build-up of pus that collects at the infection site increases over time until this either drains naturally, or needs to be surgically removed.

In certain instances, the infection can advance to the point where the swelling might obstruct the airway, making breathing difficult. Moreover, dental abscesses can cause generalised sickness, including fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, and sweats.

A patient’s poor diet, smoking, drinking, or certain medical problems that enhance the risk of tooth decay may also result in dental abscess.

When Should you Seek Emergency Treatment?

Individuals who suspect they have a dental abscess should make an appointment to see their dentist so they can be examined and officially diagnosed. Patients experiencing severe pain as a result of a suspected dental abscess should visit their closest emergency dental facility should their regular dentist be unavailable.

If the infection has grown so painful that it cannot be treated with over-the-counter medication, the patient should call for emergency assistance.

How Will a Dentist Treat the Abscess?

The dentist will cut open the abscess and allow the pus to drain if it is drainable. At the beginning of a root canal procedure, the dentist may additionally drain the abscess through the affected tooth. The abscess might occasionally burst on its own. Antibiotics and painkillers are frequently administered to patients with dental abscesses in order to treat the infection.

Check out Our Emergency dental care page to gain more information.