About Abscessed Teeth & How They Should Be Treated

Is there a lump on your gums that is causing a lot of pain? It is likely that the lump occurred from you having an abscessed tooth, which must be treated because it can cause serious harm to your body if left there. Find out below about having an abscessed tooth, as well as what is done in a dental clinic to get rid of it.

What is an Abscessed Tooth?

An abscessed tooth usually occurs when a tooth has an untreated cavity that has been there for a long period of time. An abscess develops as a lump because it is filled with a lot of toxic pus. When plaque accumulates on your teeth, bacteria can get into the cavity and get into the pulp chamber. If the pulp chamber becomes infected from bacteria, the tooth becomes abscessed. You may then experience pain from the cavity and abscess.

An abscessed tooth is dangerous because the toxins inside of it can get inside your bloodstream. You may end up with a full body inflammation, and could possibly suffer brain damage. Some of the other side effects can include severe headaches, heart issues and difficulty breathing. Don't attempt popping the abscess on your own, as it must be treated by a dental professional for your safety.

How is an Abscessed Tooth Treated in a Dental Clinic?

The first thing that will have to be done is an X-ray. The dentist will make sure that you actually have an abscess on your gums, as it can possibly be a tumor or cyst as well. After it is confirmed that you have an abscessed tooth, the dentist may need to perform a root canal. A root canal is performed by drilling a hole in your tooth and removing damaged blood vessels and nerves from out of the pulp chamber.

Your tooth will be filled with putty after the root canal. Your dentist will place you on antibiotics to get rid of any bacterial infection. You will also be sent home with a prescription for pain relief. Keep in mind that an abscessed tooth can also be extracted as a form of treatment.

Is Undergoing a Root Canal an Affordable Procedure?

It is possible to get assistance with up to 80% of the costs for a root canal if you have dental insurance. The price will depend on the complexity of the procedure and type of tooth being treated. A root canal on a front tooth is estimated at $300 or more. Make an appointment with a doctor such as Joe Rosenberg, DDS to get your abscessed tooth treated.


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