A dental abscess is a serious infection that develops when bacteria enter the tooth, gums, or surrounding bone. Abscesses can cause intense pain and swelling and should never be ignored. At Tilley Family Dentistry, dental abscess treatment focuses on relieving pain, eliminating infection, and protecting your overall health as quickly as possible.
Prompt treatment is essential to prevent the infection from spreading and causing more serious complications.
A dental abscess is a pocket of infection that can form at the root of a tooth, in the gums, or in the bone supporting the teeth. It is often caused by untreated decay, gum disease, trauma, or a cracked tooth that allows bacteria to enter.
Common signs of a dental abscess include:
Severe, throbbing tooth pain
Swelling of the gums, face, or jaw
Sensitivity to hot or cold
Fever or general discomfort
Bad taste in the mouth
A visible bump or swelling on the gums
Dental abscesses do not heal on their own. Without treatment, the infection can spread to surrounding tissues and, in severe cases, impact overall health.
Prompt treatment helps:
Treatment for a dental abscess depends on the severity and location of the infection. Our team focuses on eliminating the infection while relieving pain and preserving oral health whenever possible.
Treatment options may include:
Draining the abscess to relieve pressure
Root canal therapy to remove infection
Tooth extraction if the tooth cannot be saved
Antibiotics to help control infection
Pain management to improve comfort
Dental infections can be extremely painful and stressful. Our team uses gentle techniques, effective anesthesia, and sedation options when appropriate to ensure your comfort during treatment.
We prioritize same-day care whenever possible for patients experiencing infection or severe pain.
After treatment, follow-up care is important to ensure the infection has resolved completely and to plan any necessary restorative treatment.
We provide: