An endodontist is a dental specialist who can diagnose and treat a severe dental abscess. A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus produced by a bacterial infection. Abscesses can form in different parts of the teeth or mouth for different reasons and generally do not resolve without treatment, often requiring endodontic care.
Patients who are experiencing any of the symptoms of a severe tooth abscess should schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. A severe tooth abscess may cause:
Patients who have swelling of the face or fever and cannot get immediate care with a dentist, or who are having trouble swallowing or breathing, may need to go to an emergency room for treatment.
Endodontic treatment for severe tooth abscesses begins with diagnosis. The endodontist examines the patient's tooth and the structures around the tooth and may tap on the teeth to check for sensitivity to pressure or touch. X-rays may be taken to confirm the presence and location of the abscess and to determine whether the infection has spread to other areas of the mouth. If the infection has spread, the dentist may order a CT scan to explore the extent of the infection. Once the diagnosis is made, the dentist performs one or more treatments to resolve the infection.
The goal of endodontic treatment for a severe dental abscess is to eliminate the infection. To do this, the endodontist may make a small cut into the abscess to drain the pus, then cleans the area with saline. If needed, the dentist places a small rubber drain to help the abscess drain while swelling reduces.
A root canal procedure may be needed to clear the infection and save the tooth. During a root canal, the dentist drills into the tooth and removes the pulp and drains the abscess. The tooth is then filled and sealed. The endodontist may place a crown on the tooth to strengthen it, particularly if it is a back tooth.
If the dentist determines that the tooth can not be saved, an extraction may be necessary. After removing the tooth, the dentist drains the abscess to resolve the infection.
If the infection has spread beyond the initial abscess, antibiotics may be necessary to eliminate it and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the mouth or other areas of the body. Antibiotics may also be prescribed for patients who have a weakened immune system.
A severe tooth abscess is a serious medical issue that requires prompt treatment. An endodontist can eliminate the existing infection and prevent it from becoming worse in addition to relieving the painful symptoms that often accompany an abscess.
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