Dental abscesses are dangerous, causing a throbbing pain that spreads from your tooth to your jaw and neck. They are a buildup of pus caused by a bacterial infection deep in your tooth or gums. Sometimes, the abscess can burst on its own, relieving the pain. However, the bad taste in your mouth and the slimy feeling from the pus can be really unpleasant. Instead of panicking or trying home remedies, it’s best to see your dentist, as dental abscesses require emergency dentistry treatment.
What Happens If a Tooth Abscess Bursts?
When a tooth abscess bursts, it might bring temporary relief from pain because the built-up pressure is released. You will likely notice a bad taste or smell from the pus draining out. However, this doesn’t mean the infection is gone; it’s still there and needs treatment from a dentist.
If left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas like the jaw, sinuses, or even the bloodstream, which can be very dangerous. It can also damage the bone around the tooth, possibly leading to tooth loss. In some cases, it may cause sinus problems or infections in the skin and soft tissues of the face and neck.
Dental Treatment Following an Abscess Burst
It might be tempting to leave the dental abscess untreated, as it no longer causes pain after it bursts. However, the infection will always linger and come back with a vengeance until treated. During your visit, the dentist will first examine your mouth to check for any damage to the tooth or nearby areas. They might take X-rays or CT scans to find out if the infection has spread to your jaw or other facial bones.
If there’s still pus in the area, the dentist may make a small cut to drain it and clean the area using a saltwater solution. Sometimes, they place a tiny rubber drain to help keep the area open and reduce swelling. If the abscess is caused by an infected tooth, a root canal may be needed. This involves removing the infected pulp inside the tooth, cleaning it out, and sealing it. Afterward, a crown is usually placed to protect and strengthen the tooth.
If the tooth is too damaged to save, the dentist may have to remove it to stop the infection from spreading. They will also talk to you about ways to replace the missing tooth, like using a dental implant or a bridge. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to fight off the infection, especially if it’s spreading or if your immune system is weak. It’s very important to take the full course of antibiotics as directed.
You must also plan follow-up visits with your dentist to make sure the infection is healing properly and doesn’t come back. Also, taking care of your teeth by brushing and flossing every day helps prevent more dental problems in the future.
Final Word
A burst dental abscess will significantly relieve your symptoms. However, visit your dentist immediately to completely eliminate the infection.
Visit our dental professionals at The Smile Artisans for emergency dentistry treatments. Call us at (832) 220-6087 to book an appointment.