Dental Abscess: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options

In case you never get an abscess then you are fortunate enough! Dental abscess is advanced form of decay causing pain and leading to other dental conditions. However, a tooth cannot become abscess overnight as it is a long procedure. 

You may start wondering then how it happens! Well, the answer is here. Decay starts when the enamel wears down making pockets or holes (mainly cavities) on teeth surface. When it exposes to bacteria further the acidic damage takes place because of plaque and trapped food particles (especially sugary). 

In this blog, we have mentioned breakdown of dental abscess stages and their symptoms, causes and treatment. Read on to know them.

Stage- 1- White spots

If you notice white chalky areas on teeth surface it is the primary stage of decay! It takes place because of calcium loss and accumulation of plaque. Soon, the bacteria will break down enamel resulting in demineralisation of tooth. 

Stage-2- Enamel decay

In this stage the enamel, the outermost hard shell of teeth will start wearing down resulting in further damage. When remineralisation cannot restore the lost nutrients, formation of lesions will take place into the teeth. With persistent decay, there is a high chance of breaking the tooth irreversibly. 

Stage-3- Dentin decay

The location of dentin is between the pulp and enamel. In this stage, the decay will spread to dentin causing persistent and sharp pain in the infected tooth. As a result, the enamel will collapse and lead to a cavity. Only dental filling can treat your condition at this condition. 

Stage-4- Pulp infection 

Pulp is all about tooth centre and when it gets affected, pus will form that kills the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth. At this time, you will suffer from severe and constant toothache. Root canal treatment is the only solution at this stage. 

Stage-5- Formation of abscess

When abscess will form, you will start feeling excruciating pain. At this time, the infection reaches root of the tooth increasing the infection risk of conjoining bones too. 

When the infected tooth reaches the stage of abscess formation, several symptoms are here to look for:

  • Constant, sharp and severe pain
  • Oral diseases can be there 
  • Speech will be affected badly
  • Swelling of gums and tongue

Dental abscess refers to the advanced decay which deems urgent dental care. For this reason, you may need to go for emergency dental appointment in London. You must not ignore any of the symptoms of tooth abscess. Moreover, you need to go for early treatment for as soon as the enamel starts breaking down. Remember, early treatment in this stage can reverse the damage. 

In case, you miss the treatment then tooth restoration is possible with the incorporation of a dental professional. If it is already reached the abscess formation stage the extra surgery will need to treat it besides root canal. You have to seek treatment at this stage to avoid tooth loss.   

Preventive measures are the correct way to keep this stage at bay. You should practice proper oral care regime for prevention of decay. Brush the teeth using medium or soft bristled toothbrush for removal of leftover food particles and plaque.  Always use the dentist-suggested floss and mouthwash. By this way you will be able to prevent the teeth from abscess and decay.