How Is an Abscessed Tooth Identified?
An abscessed tooth demands prompt attention as it will not resolve independently. It’s crucial to seek dental care immediately upon noticing symptoms, as neglecting it could result in the infection spreading to the jaw or other areas of the head and neck, particularly if your immune system is compromised due to conditions like AIDS, cancer treatment, or organ transplants.
To diagnose an abscessed tooth, your dentist is likely to:
1. Conduct a gentle tapping on your teeth, as discomfort during this procedure indicates the presence of an abscess in the affected tooth.
2. Perform X-rays to determine the presence and extent of the abscess within your mouth.
3. Employ a CT scan if there are suspicions that the infection has extended to surrounding areas.
If your dentist cannot definitively diagnose the abscess, they may refer you to an endodontist, a specialist trained in managing abscessed teeth, who can provide a precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Treatment for an Abscessed Tooth
The primary aim is to eliminate the infection, which may involve:
1. Administration of antibiotics if the infection has spread beyond the abscess site, though antibiotics alone won’t eradicate the abscess.
2. Extraction of the tooth if saving it is not feasible.
3. Root canal therapy, a common approach to save the tooth, involving removal of infected pulp and thorough sealing of the tooth.
4. Surgical intervention may be necessary to drain a periodontal abscess.
It’s important to note that while pain may temporarily subside if the abscess ruptures or the pulp dies, this doesn’t indicate resolution. Home remedies are ineffective in treating an abscessed tooth, and without professional intervention, the infection will persist and may escalate into severe health complications.
Will Antibiotics Alone Cure an Abscess?
Antibiotics can assist your body in combating the infection, but they cannot cure an abscessed tooth on their own. Since the tooth itself is the source of the infection, addressing it directly is essential for resolution.
