Dealing With Dental Abscesses

One reason why you might need a root canal is when an abscess forms at the base of your tooth. Abscesses are caused by a bacterial infection, usually starting where the root meets the jawbone. They are hard to miss and are often extremely painful, so you'll want to see your dentist right away. However, some people may have an infected tooth without even knowing it, or they may only have mild problems. Others might have an infection that kills the nerves, so they may not always feel the pain. It's important for you to know the symptoms and risks.

What are the signs of an abscess?

For many people, pain is often the first sign of an abscess, especially if they don't catch it early through a dental examination. The symptoms can be similar to those for severe tooth decay, such as an extreme and prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold foods. You might also see visible signs of swelling around the tooth at or below the gum line that may even be visible from the outside of your cheek.

Who is more likely to get an abscess?

Generally, people with poor dental hygiene or who don't see the dentist frequently are more likely to get a dental abscess. If you eat a lot of sugar or starches, then you are also at higher risk, especially if you don't brush and floss regularly. Severe gum disease and receding gums also increase your risk because these conditions make it easier for bacteria to reach the tooth's root.

How are they treated?

Don't expect your abscesses to go away on their own, and if you wait too long, you could be risking serious health issues such as damage to your jaw and spreading infection. Mild cases that are caught early can sometimes be treated with antibiotics. However, if you wait too long, you will need to have the area drained and a root canal performed. Even if the abscess bursts and you begin to feel better, you may still need to see a dentist to make sure the source of the infection is eliminated and to repair any damage.

While abscesses are one reason why people need to get a root canal, they can be prevented by good hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly. Pain control and treatment is much easier when they are caught early and not ignored. There's no reason to fear a root canal, especially in this case, as you could not only feel better, your tooth is likely to be preserved.