One common but serious oral health issue is a tooth abscess. If you’ve experienced this painful condition, you know firsthand how alarming it can be and how critical it is to seek dental care as soon as possible. As a family dentist in Colorado Springs, we see many people come in with both standard tooth abscesses and burst abscesses. Both of these issues require prompt care, but burst abscesses, in particular, require a bit of extra attention.
Let’s take a look at what to do if a dental abscess burst on its own.
What is a dental abscess?
A dental abscess is an infection that forms at or near a tooth. This pocket of puss is caused by bacterial infection, more specifically, and is generally located in one of two spots. A periapical abscess refers to an abscess located at the tip of the tooth root, while a periodontal abscess is located in the gums, typically at the side of an infected root.
Tooth abscesses, regardless of where they are located, can cause unpleasant symptoms such as throbbing, and severe pain, which can move to the neck, ear, or jawbone. Sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures is another common issue, as is discomfort or pain while chewing or biting. More advanced abscesses might result in a fever or swelling in the cheek, neck, or face, some of which might make it difficult to swallow or breathe.
What do I do if an abscess bursts?
You might have a ruptured abscess if you experience a sudden burst of foul-tasting and foul-smelling liquid in your mouth, along with any of the symptoms above. Note that while this rupture might lead to initial pain relief, it is imperative to see a Colorado Springs dentist as soon as possible to clear out the infection and save your tooth. In the meantime, warm water rinses and pain relief medication such as acetaminophen or anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen might help clean your mouth and further relieve pain.
Do you need help with a tooth abscess? Our experienced Colorado Springs family dentistry practice can help. Reach out to us today or schedule an appointment online!