Ouch! If you’re suddenly experiencing pain in an isolated spot in your mouth, it’s possible that you have an abscessed tooth in Huntsville. The abscess might also be in your gum. In either case, it’s an urgent situation that should move you to search for an “endodontist near me” as soon as possible so you can receive treatment. How can you know if you have an abscess, and what should you do until you can get an appointment with your dental care provider?
Symptoms of an Abscess
An abscessed tooth commonly comes with the following symptoms:
- One tooth is darker than the ones around it.
- You experience pain when you eat or otherwise put pressure on the tooth.
- You see a small, pimple-like bump on your gum.
- You have pain in your jaw or swelling in your face or lymph nodes.
- You have a fever or an overall feeling of ickiness.
A gum abscess has similar symptoms to an abscessed tooth. When you head to your endodontist for treatment, they’ll take an x-ray to find out exactly where the abscess is.
Caring for the Abscess
Whether the abscess is in your gum or tooth, you should seek treatment promptly. Delaying care gives the infection a chance to spread to other parts of your body. In the days or hours before your appointment, however, there are a few things you can do to relieve your discomfort and fight the infection:
- Rinse your mouth several times a day with a saltwater solution’ mix about half a teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of water to get the right concentration. Rinsing can draw some of the pus out of the abscess and take away some of the pain.
- Take a mild over-the-counter painkiller, like ibuprofen or naproxen.
- Don’t eat hard foods or extremely hot or cold foods, all of which can exacerbate your pain.
When you go in for your appointment, your endodontist’s goal will be to clean the area with the abscess, let the trapped pus escape, and treat the infection. If the infection is in the tooth’s pulp, you’ll likely need a root canal. Don’t let the term “root canal” scare you. A skilled endodontist can make sure the procedure is as quick and comfortable as possible. After the treatment, you may receive a prescription for antibiotics.
Preventing Future Abscesses
The best way to prevent a dental abscess is through a great oral hygiene routine. Be diligent about brushing and flossing, don’t eat tons of sugary or starchy foods, and visit your dentist at least twice a year. Also, if you have gum disease, get it treated as soon as possible in order to reduce your risk of infections.
A dental abscess can cause tooth pain in Huntsville and put a damper on your everyday life. If your mouth is in pain, it would be wise to see a dental professional as soon as possible so you can get back to smiling bright!
About the Endodontist
Dr. Deborah Bishop is a dentist who has specialized training in treating the innermost parts of teeth. If you’re concerned that you may have an abscessed tooth, feel free to contact our office at 256-882-5161.