Dental Abscess - Caringbahdental

A dental abscess is a dental emergency that indicates an underlying dental problem progressing in the mouth.

Most cases look harmless but they are not. They need immediate attention; otherwise the infection can only worsen.

No amount of first aid nor time can make an abscess go away. Only your skilled dentist can treat it once and for all.

Our treatment for dental abscess includes comprehensive measures to address the issue. We get to the cause of the problem and treat it from there.

At Caringbah Dental Care we tend to all dental emergencies. We have a same-day emergency appointment to relive you of your pain as soon as possible.

What is Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is a collection of pus on the tooth, gums, or in the bones that hold the tooth. Pus is composed of dead, white blood cells. It is a protein-rich fluid that appears as whitish-yellow.

An abscess forms one or two days after an infection. Once it grows, it will continue to spread and develop. Unattended, they can linger for weeks to months and even years.

What Causes Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is caused by an infection in the mouth that can be the result of:

Severe tooth decay
Exposed and damaged dental pulp
Gum disease
Infection from poor dental work
Food stuck in between teeth

What Happens To Untreated Dental Abscess?

The consequences of untreated dental abscess are serious, some even life threatening such as oral sepsis.

If the abscess is in the upper arch, it can spread to the sinuses causing purulent sinusitis. It can also result in meningitis (brain abscess), orbital cellulitis, and cavernous sinus thrombosis.

If the infection is in the lower arch, it can lead to parapharyngeal abscess, Ludwig’s angina, pericarditis (affecting tissue around the heart) or mediastinitis (affecting the chest cavity), jugular thrombophlebitis, or emphysema of the lungs.

Symptoms of a Dental Abscess

The abscess appears as a pimple on your mouth. It is also associated with the following symptoms:

Bad breath
Bitter taste in the tongue
Red and swollen cheeks and gums
Tooth sensitivity
Difficulty in chewing/ opening the mouth
Fever

First Aid Steps

A dental abscess can only be treated by a dentist. Schedule an appointment right away.

The following are the first aid steps to help you manage before your trip to the dentist.

Repeatedly rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash.
A salt-water solution can be an alternative. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt to eight ounces of lukewarm water.
Do not put aspirin on the abscess; this can only cause chemical burn. To lessen sensitivity, apply clove oil.
For swelling, apply a cold compress on the cheek.
Visit your dentist immediately.

Treatment at Caringbah Dental Care

Understanding the cause is part of the treatment plan. The pus is drained and the cause of the issue is addressed to prevent it from coming back.

Treatment may include:

Antibiotics
Tooth extraction
Root canal treatment
Periodontal surgery

Same Day Emergency Appointment At Caringbah Dental Care

Caringbah Dental Care is your trusted emergency dentist in Caringbah. We are ready to help relieve your pain and discomfort in case of a dental emergency.

We understand the need for urgency hence we have a same day emergency appointment available for you and your loved ones.

In case of a dental emergency, see us right away!

Call (02) 9524 7047 or visit us at Shop 3 10-20 MacKay Street in Caringbah.

For trusted dental and orthodontic care residents all across the Melbourne including from suburb like Caringbah, Cronulla, Dolans Bay, Engadine, Gymea, Lilli Pilli, Miranda, Sutherland, Woolooware & more turn to the clinic with over 60 years of experience. They turn to Caringbah Dental Care.