An infection in the mouth is never a fun situation, especially when it can lead to an oral abscess. An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by infection, and they can exist in the mouth as a periapical abscess (if it’s in the tooth) or a periodontal abscess (if it’s in the gums). Oral abscesses are commonly a result of food getting trapped between the gum and the tooth.
Having an abscess is extremely painful and needs to be treated right away. If you think you have one, it’s important to call your dentist immediately, as an untreated abscess can become a cyst in the jawbone. If a root canal or tooth extraction does not remove the cyst, then surgery may be needed.
Your dentist will remove the abscess and clean the area thoroughly. After it has been cleaned, they will allow the trapped pus to escape and treat the infection with antibiotics. Many different treatment plans may be followed depending upon the type of infection and where it is within the tooth.
The best way to avoid an abscess is to maintain a good oral health routine that involves brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. However, it is easy to develop issues if you neglect your teeth. If you are experiencing pain, ask your dentist how they can help create a treatment plan for you.
