The treatment options from an emergency dentist for an abscessed tooth include draining the abscess or antibiotics to kill the bacterial infection causing the abscess. If the abscess is severe, then it may require root canal therapy or tooth extraction to either save the tooth or prevent the infection from spreading and stop the discomforting symptoms. 

How an emergency dentist can treat an abscessed tooth

It is helpful to have an understanding of what treatments an emergency dentist may perform for an abscessed tooth that requires immediate care. The following is an in-depth explanation of the four most common ways an abscess is treated, along with insights into when visiting the emergency dentist may be necessary. 

Drain the abscess

Often the preferred method of treatment for a dental abscess is to drain it, although this is not always an available option, especially when the abscess is severe and requires immediate treatment. If the emergency dentist recommends this method of treatment, then they perform the procedure by making an incision to access the abscess and placing a small cut into the abscess. They then let the pus drain from the abscess before cleaning the affected area with saline and closing the incision. 

Antibiotic medication

An abscessed tooth most often results from a bacterial infection inside the tooth’s root. Antibiotics are often effective in treating bacterial infections. The emergency dentist may prescribe antibiotics along with other methods of treatment. Antibiotics do not typically address the underlying reason for the abscess, which is typically the exposure of the tooth’s root from decay or damage. 

Root canal therapy

Root canal therapy is a great way to restore the health of an infected tooth. This procedure involves drilling into the tooth and removing the abscess and diseased pulp inside the pulp chamber that is located in the tooth’s root. They can then thoroughly clean the tooth and fill the tooth with a material known as gutta-percha. In most cases, the emergency dentist places a dental crown over the tooth to restore its size, shape, and function. This protects the tooth from further harm and restores the appearance of the tooth to an ideal level. 

Tooth extraction

In many instances, an abscessed tooth cannot be saved. When this is the case, the emergency dentist can safely extract the tooth and drain the abscess. They can then either start the patient on the process toward tooth replacement or refer them to someone who offers tooth replacement if desired by the patient. This should get rid of the infection and relieve the symptoms of the abscessed tooth long-term to help the patient once again feel pain-free. 

Call our emergency dental team today to learn more

You can call our emergency dentistry team today to arrange a visit if you are experiencing severe symptoms that suggest you may have an abscessed tooth. We offer a variety of treatment options and can determine the best way to relieve your discomfort and hopefully save your tooth from becoming lost.

Are you considering an emergency dentist in the Boynton Beach area? Get more information at https://boyntonbeachtownsquaredentistry.com/.

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