When a cavity goes untreated, it will develop an infection. If you don’t treat it early, it may expand to the surrounding bone of the root, and become an abscess. Generally, the individual will recognize the signs of this problem, but often it shows no symptoms at all. This is why regular visits to the dentist are so critical.
An abscessed tooth will frequently exhibit the following:
- Throbbing and persistent toothache
- Sensitivity to heat and cold
- Fever
- Swelling in the gums and face
- Pain or undue pressure when chewing
If you experience any of these indicators, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If you delay, it could mean the tooth will need to be extracted. Fever or swelling that does not reduce, or trouble breathing or swallowing, means that you should go to the hospital emergency room quickly. These are signs that the infection is spreading through to other parts of the body.
The dentist will examine the infected area and decide whether a round of antibiotics is warranted or if the tooth needs to be extracted. If the tooth is salvageable, the dentist will probably recommend a root canal (endodontics) or a gum treatment (Periodontics).
If you are experiencing a problem and need a dentist, contact us at Manotick Main Dental for an appointment.