Surgical Treatment Might Be Needed for an Abscess

A cavity that goes without professional treatment invites bacteria to dive deeper and deeper into the tooth. As time goes by, this could cause an infection in the root of the tooth as well as the underlying gums. Common symptoms of a problem like this include a toothache and discomfort, pressure, or pain in the gums.

Without professional treatment, this abscess can introduce dangerous bacteria to your bloodstream, which can cause significant medical complications. A minor abscess that is caught early at Primary Dental Clinic might be treatable with a course of prescription antibiotics.

A more severe abscess, or one that threatens to develop into septicemia, might require surgical treatment to remove the infected tissues. This might also include a total extraction of the decayed tooth.

If Dr. Mark Hughen recommends full sedation, you will still feel some sedative effects after the treatment. This means you’ll need to arrange for a ride home from a friend or family member.

Other postoperative care considerations might include taking prescription pain management medication or taking a course of antibiotics to eliminate any traces of infection.

While your gums are healing, it’s best to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. It might also be helpful to try to eat a soft-food diet. When drinking a beverage, you should avoid using a straw as the suction could affect the incision site.

If you live in the Midland, Texas, area and you are experiencing symptoms of severe tooth decay or abscess, you should call 432-570-7080 to seek professional treatment with Dr. Mark Hughen.