Info From Your Gilbert Dentist: Avoiding a Mouth Infection or An Abscess Tooth

One of the more serious conditions a dentist in Gilbert can help you with is an abscess tooth.

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How Bad Is An Abscess Tooth?

An abscess tooth, if untreated can be potentially life-threatening.  According to the site Dentaly.org:
“An abscess is a pocket of pus that accumulates when a bacterial infection breaks down tissue. Abscesses can form in many different parts of the body. They are a natural defense(sic) mechanism, the aim being to block the infection from reaching other areas. The resulting build-up of pus is usually very painful. When it comes to mouth abscesses, both the gums and the teeth themselves are at risk. An abscess in the mouth can erode the periodontal structure (which supports the teeth) and the jaw bone, causing irreparable damage. In some cases, the affected tooth has to be extracted. By understanding tooth abscess symptoms and seeking professional treatment as soon as you become concerned, you can reduce the chances of further infection and complications.
TYPES OF DENTAL ABSCESS
There are three main types of oral abscess: gingival, periodontal and periapical. The distinguishing factor for each one is the location where the abscess forms.
Gingival abscess
A gingival abscess, or gum abscess, forms on the surface of the tissue at the gum line of the teeth (gingiva). This is often a result of external damage to the gum, for example from food entering the gumline or penetration from a toothpick.
If caught early, an abscess on the gum is relatively easy to treat and recover from. If left untreated, however, it can progress to a periodontal abscess and cause greater oral damage.
Periodontal abscess
This type of abscess occurs deeper into the gum pockets. Since there is nowhere for pus to drain, the abscess spreads into the surrounding tissue and jaw bone.’ [READ MORE]
Sometimes, it’s necessary to do a tooth extraction.
With a dental exam, your Gilbert dentist will be able to determine the best course of action.

An Abscess Tooth Can Be Life-Threatening if Untreated

People don’t know just how much danger they are in from an abscess tooth.  If untreated, the infection can spread so that it can affect your entire body, including your heart, brain, or lungs.  If you don’t go to your dentist in Gilbert to take care of a tooth abscess, it can potentially kill you.
People are often afraid to go to a dentist because they’re afraid of pain, however, an abscess can cause pain far worse than any dentist, and it can kill a patient.  So don’t be a statistic, schedule a dental exam today, particularly if you have an abscess.
Gilbert Vista Dental Care
2451 East Baseline Road #210
Gilbert, AZ 85234
(480) 503-5467
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