Can you tell me the signs of a dental abscess?
Thomas G.- Mississippi
Thomas,
If you really want to know for certain if you have an abscess, the best way is to get a dental x-ray. However, there are some basic symptoms you can be aware of.
Abscess’s can irritate the gums making them red and swollen. Sometimes they develop a sensitivity to pressure. As the infection grows, they can also become sensitive to hot or cold food and drinks.
You need to be aware that sometimes you can have no symptoms at all because the infection drains out into your mouth, hiding the effects. If it is left untreated it will eventually cause other problems, including tooth loss.
Your dentist will more than likely treat this with antibiotics and a root canal treatment. If you don’t want a root canal a dental crown, then the tooth will have to be extracted.
This blog is brought to you by Bedminster Dentist Dr. Mike Mavrostomos.