Treatments for Tooth Abscess

An abscessed tooth is an extremely painful dental condition. It is caused by an infection in the tissues around the teeth. Abscessed teeth can develop as a result of severe gum disease, severe tooth decay or a fracture in the tooth that causes a bacterial infection and damages the bone around the tooth. Pain, which is often severe, can be shooting or throbbing in nature and can worsen in response to biting, chewing or temperature changes.

If you have a tooth abscess, the infection must be controlled and diseased tissue must be removed to prevent future complications. Our dentist may prescribe antibiotics and recommend root canal therapy. The root canal treatment removes the infected tissue and cleans the infected tooth. This preserves the healthy tooth structure and prevents future damage. Root canal therapy may require more than one dental appointment, and the treated tooth may need to be restored with a dental crown. Antibiotics may be prescribed.

Although an abscessed tooth is a serious condition, it is also an extremely preventable one. Good dental hygiene is one of the easiest ways to prevent abscessed teeth. Brush twice a day, and floss once a day. Visit us twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings. If you notice a loose filling or restoration, contact us immediately to reduce the risk of bacteria accumulating around or beneath the restoration.

Contact our office today if you have any symptoms that indicate the presence of a tooth abscess or to schedule your next checkup with our North Hollywood dentist.