Causes of Tooth Abscess
An abscessed tooth can be an extremely painful condition that, if left too long, can lead to the loss of your tooth. A dental exam will reveal the extent of the infection, and our dentist can then outline the most appropriate course of treatment, which may include antibiotics or a root canal treatment.
A dental abscess often begins when a tooth is broken, cracked or decayed, which allows bacteria to access the inner structures of the tooth. Once there, they can multiply and create pus, which then has no way out. The infection pushes into the tissues under and surrounding the tooth, dissolving bone and tissue.
The pain tends to shoot and throb and can be quite severe. Our first priority will be to help you control the infection. If necessary, we may then treat the tooth through a root canal treatment to remove any remaining infected tissue.Good dental hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent the pain and expense of a dental abscess. Most of the time, this condition is caused by severe tooth decay, which is nearly always due to inadequate cleaning. Brushing after meals and careful flossing at least once a day will remove plaque and bacteria buildup and reduce your risk of tooth decay and abscess.
Regular dental exams will also help catch early signs of tooth decay so that our dentist in Los Angeles can treat any cavities before they reach the pulp of your tooth and cause an abscess. Contact us today to schedule your next professional exam.