An emergency dentist in Smile Hub will assess the person’s oral health condition, looking at the abscess type and how severe the infection is. Dental abscesses have different classifications based on the oral structure affected, such as peripheral or gingival abscesses. Dentists use diagnostic tests such as X-rays to identify the type, location and spread of the infection.
An abscess that forms on the gum surface is usually drained of pus and then compressed to relieve the pressure. To remove and prevent further infection, and for pain-relief, an antibiotic is usually prescribed.
Periodontal abscesses develop in the dental pockets and raise the risk of periodontal disease or periodontitis. These abscesses once drained leave a gap in the tooth pocket separating tooth and gum. Antibiotics do not usually reduce the likelihood of the infection returning at some point.
Dentists can clean out the dental pocket and use other dental treatments to seal the developed space between the tooth and gum. These dental treatments may involve tooth and/or gum reshaping.
In the case of periodontal or periapical abscesses, root canal treatment may be required to remove the infection from the root canals to save one or more teeth. The risk of spreading infection is high when abscesses are left untreated. Seeking early treatment is vital to prevent complex dental conditions that require extensive and costly treatment.
Where a condition called osteomyelitis develops oral surgery may be required to relieve severe pain and preserve the jaw bone. Clinicians assess the severity of an abscess and provide individuals with treatment options.