Toothache and Dental Abscess

Toothache

Toothache is one of the most common reasons why people see an Emergency Dentist. Toothache can present as a constant or intermittent sharp, stabbing, dull or throbbing pain.

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a collection of pus that can form inside the teeth, in the gums, or in the bone that holds the teeth in place. It is caused by a bacterial infection. Dental abscess is one of the most common reasons why people see an Emergency Dentist.

Untitled design 28 1
Untitled design 12

Types of dental abscesses

There are two types of abscesses

What are the common causes of dental pain?

Toothache can be caused by;

Untitled design 58
Untitled design 54

How long should you wait to see a dentist for a toothache?

You should see your regular dentist or Emergency Dentist if the toothache

What is the best painkiller for toothache?

Untitled design 7
Untitled design 48

What are the symptoms of a dental abscess?

Symptoms of an abscess in your tooth or gum may include:

If the infection spreads, you may also develop a high temperature (fever) and feel generally unwell. In severe cases, you may find it hard to fully open breathing. your mouth and have difficulty swallowing or breathing.

What causes dental abscesses?

Your mouth is full of bacteria, which form a sticky film on your teeth called plaque. If you do not keep your teeth clean, acids produced by the bacteria in plaque can damage your teeth and gums, leading to tooth decay or gum disease.

The following can increase your chances of developing a dental abscess:

Untitled design 27
abscess 1

What are the treatment options for a dental abscess?

Local anaesthetic will usually be used to numb your mouth for these procedures. More extensive operations may be carried out under general anaesthetic (where you’re asleep). Antibiotics aren’t routinely prescribed for dental abscesses, but may be used if the infection spreads or is particularly severe.