When a Dental Abcess Becomes Surgical

Posted on 1/11/2021 by Huronia Oral Surgery Group

A dental abcess will require surgery if it is not treated. At the first sign of this type of a dental infection, root canal therapy is usually advised before the infection worsens.

What Is a Dental Abcess?

A dental abcess usually affects a tooth that has deep decay or may develop as a gum abcess if a patient has gum disease. Three types of common abcesses may develop. While a periapical abcess forms at the root of a tooth, a periodontal abcess develops on the gum next to a tooth's root. The abcess may also spread to the nearby tissue and bone. Gingival abcesses appear on the gums. If pus forms, surgery is frequently required to drain the fluid. While abcesses usually result from a lack of dental care, people who have compromised immune systems may also form abcesses as can patients who have had an injury.

When Surgery Must Be Performed?

If the infection becomes severe and pus collects at the infection site, we will perform an incision and drainage to relieve the pressure and pain, typically on the tooth and surrounding teeth. Depending on the severity of the infection, we will need to assess whether an abcessed tooth can be saved or if it should be extracted. Normally, tooth removal is reserved for a tooth that has been severely damaged, or when the patient has a serious infection. In cases of extraction, the infection may be so severe that it enters the bloodstream (septicemia) or compromises the airway. A progressive infection can also cause a patient to suffer from chills, vomiting, or nausea. During the initial stage, an abcess begins with pain and swelling at the affected site. Without treatment, the infection will spread to the jawbone and damage the surrounding teeth.

Do not downplay any problems with gum redness or swelling. When you see these symptoms, give us a call so we can take the appropriate steps to manage the problem before it becomes worse.

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