Anyone who has had a dental abscess will know just how painful they can sometimes be, although it is entirely possible to have an abscess that causes no pain at all.
Whichever is the case, they should not be taken lightly and you should seek the advice of your local dentist if you suspect that you may have one.
An abscess can form inside the tooth, the gums and even in the bone surrounding the tooth and is typically caused by a bacterial infection. If not treated, it is possible for the bacteria to spread to other parts of the body and may lead to further medical complications.
How to spot an abscess
There are several possible indicators of an abscess, and whilst some of these may also apply to other conditions, you should call The Lodge Dental Suite for an appointment if you have any of these symptoms in our around the mouth which may include:
What causes an abscess?
If you have a good oral health regimen and follow a sensible diet, your chances of suffering from abscesses are greatly reduced. Some possible causes for them include the following:
Whilst there is no guarantee, making sure that you brush your teeth and floss well, avoiding or reducing teeth harming food and drinks along with seeing your dentist regularly for a check up, will help you to avoid abscesses and dental problems in general.
What to do if you suspect that you have an abscess
Your first course of action should be to call our Cheshunt practice on 01992 643 388. Please don’t call your doctor as they will not be able to help where a dental abscess is present and are likely to simply refer you back to your dentist. Unfortunately, it appears that a large number of people do see their doctors about dental matters (reference 1 below). This should not be the case and if additional medical care is needed, we will always advise you during your appointment. If an abscess arises when we are closed and is causing you significant pain, please still call us on the above number and listen to the recorded advice about where to obtain emergency care.
Easing the symptoms
If you are in pain with a dental abscess, there are a few things that you can do to ease the symptoms and discomfort until such time as you can be seen by the dentist.
These suggestions should help to make your time until you can be seen by the dentist pass more bearably.
Treating a dental abscess
When you see your dentist at The Lodge Dental Suite, we will thoroughly examine the abscess and may take x-rays to check that the infection has not spread. There are different types of abscesses and the treatment to be carried it will be decided following an examination. Possible treatments may include:
If you suspect that you may have an abscess, please do not ignore it in the hope that it will go away. There is every likelihood that it will become worse and may also potentially spread, causing further complications. Local patients from Cheshunt, Waltham Cross and surrounding areas can contact us by calling our team on 01992 643 388.
Reference 1 – https://www.dentistry.co.uk/2018/10/24/gps-see-380000-people-year-dental-problems/