Does a Dental Abscess Require Urgent Attention?

A toothache can be more than just a minor inconvenience. Sometimes, it signals a much more serious problem, like a dental abscess. This is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, and it’s not something to ignore. But how can you tell if your tooth pain is just a simple ache or a sign of an urgent dental issue?

At OnCall Dental – Fresno, we understand that dental emergencies don’t wait. Led by two of Fresno’s premier dentists, Dr. J. Art Mirelez, Jr. and Dr. Christopher Gates, our team is dedicated to providing prompt and effective care for patients in Fresno, Clovis, and the surrounding communities. Let’s explore why a dental abscess is considered a true dental emergency.

A dental abscess demands timely care to prevent severe pain, infection spread, potential tooth loss, and serious health complications

Warning Signs of a Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is more than just pain. The infection can cause a range of symptoms that you should never disregard. Recognizing them early can prevent more severe complications.

Key warning signs include:

• Severe, persistent, and throbbing toothache that can radiate to your jawbone, neck, or ear.
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
• Pain or discomfort when chewing or biting down.
• Swelling in your face, cheek, or neck that could make it hard to breathe or swallow.
• Tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck.
• Fever as your body tries to fight the infection.
• A sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting, salty fluid in your mouth if the abscess ruptures.

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially facial swelling or fever, it’s a clear sign that you need immediate dental attention.

What Causes a Dental Abscess?

An abscess forms when bacteria enter the innermost part of the tooth, known as the pulp. This can happen for several reasons:

• Severe Tooth Decay: An untreated cavity can allow bacteria to penetrate deep into the tooth.
• Gum Disease (Periodontitis): Infection in the gums can spread to the surrounding bone and the root of the tooth.
• Cracked or Chipped Tooth: A break in the tooth’s enamel provides an entry point for bacteria.
• Dental Injury: Trauma to a tooth can damage the pulp, even without a visible crack, leading to infection.

Regardless of the cause, once bacteria reach the pulp, they can multiply and spread to the root, forming a painful abscess.

Why Prompt Treatment is Critical

A dental abscess will not go away on its own. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of your body, including your jaw, neck, and even your brain. This can lead to a life-threatening condition called sepsis. The answer to the question, “Does a dental abscess require urgent dental attention?” is a resounding yes. It is a serious medical condition that demands immediate professional care.

How OnCall Dental – Fresno Can Help

When you come to OnCall Dental – Fresno with a suspected abscess, Dr. Mirelez or Dr. Gates will act quickly to relieve your pain and treat the infection. Treatment typically involves draining the abscess to remove the pus. Depending on the severity and location of the infection, we may need to perform a root canal to save the tooth or, in some cases, extract the tooth to prevent the infection from spreading further.

Don’t wait for the pain to become unbearable. If you suspect you have a dental abscess, contact OnCall Dental – Fresno immediately for an urgent evaluation. We are here to provide the expert care you need when you need it most.

CONTACT ONCALL DENTAL (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

OnCall Dental – Fresno
5492 N Palm Ave Ste A
Fresno, CA 93704
559-900-2332