Are you facing intense pain in a tooth, swelling or tenderness on your gums? An abscessed tooth could be behind these symptoms. This is when an infection develops in the tooth or in the area around it. A dentist in Saskatoon will inspect the area to determine the cause of the infection and if the tooth is salvageable. Sometimes, the tooth may be too damaged to fix, so extraction may help eliminate the source of the infection as well as relieve the pressure and pain while helping to heal. Obtaining dental treatment early can also prevent the infection from worsening.
What Is a Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess develops when bacteria enter the tooth or surrounding tissues. This can happen because of deep decay, a crack, or an untreated dental problem.
Common signs include:
- Severe or throbbing tooth pain
- Swelling in the gum or face
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- A bad taste or drainage in the mouth
- Fever or feeling unwell
An abscess should not be ignored. Dental infections can become more serious if they are not treated.
How Can Tooth Extraction Help an Abscess?
Tooth extractions in Saskatoon may be recommended when an infected tooth is too damaged to repair. Removing the tooth eliminates the source where bacteria are causing the infection.
After the tooth is removed, the area can be cleaned and treated to help control the infection. This may reduce swelling and pressure, which can ease the pain.
However, the abscess still needs proper treatment. Your dentist may recommend additional care to control the infection and help the area heal.
Will Pulling a Tooth Relieve an Abscess?
It can help when the infected tooth is the main source of the problem and cannot be saved. Removing the tooth may take away the source of infection and allow the surrounding tissues to heal.
The pain may not disappear immediately. The area can remain sore after extraction as the tissues recover. Pain should gradually improve with proper aftercare.
How Long Does It Take for an Abscess to Drain After Tooth Extraction?
The timing varies based on the size and location of the infection and the treatment provided. Drainage may occur during treatment or afterward as the body clears the infection.
A dental professional may recommend additional steps if pus or fluid remains in the area. Follow-up care is important to make sure the infection is improving.
Can an Abscessed Tooth Always Be Extracted?
Not every abscessed tooth needs to be removed. If enough healthy tooth structure remains, root canal treatment may be an option to clear the infection while keeping the natural tooth.
Extraction may be considered when:
- The tooth is badly broken.
- Decay has caused severe damage.
- The tooth cannot be restored.
- Previous treatment has failed.
- The infection is linked to a tooth that has a poor long-term outlook.
A dental clinic in Saskatoon can assess the tooth and explain whether extraction or another treatment is more suitable.
How to Make a Dental Abscess Stop Hurting?
The best way to treat an abscess is to treat the infection causing it. Home care may help with pain for a short time but cannot remove the infection.
While waiting to see a dentist:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water.
- Use a cold pack on your cheek to help reduce swelling.
- Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the painful side.
- Take pain medicine only as directed.
- Do not put aspirin directly on your tooth or gums.
- Never try to pop or drain the abscess yourself.
Professional dental care is needed to treat the infection properly.
What Happens After a Tooth Extraction?
After the infected tooth is removed, the area will start to heal. Some pain, swelling, or light bleeding is normal at first.
- Follow your dentist’s care instructions.
- Avoid smoking while healing.
- Do not touch the extraction area.
- Eat soft foods as advised.
- Keep your mouth clean and be gentle around the area.
Contact your dentist in Saskatoon if pain or swelling gets worse or you develop a fever.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief!
A dental abscess should not be ignored, especially when pain or swelling is present. If an infected tooth cannot be repaired, extraction may help remove the source of the infection and support the healing process. Getting timely dental care can also help prevent the infection from causing further problems.
Book an appointment with Lakewood Dental Clinic today to have your tooth examined and find out which treatment may be right for your needs.
FAQs
Can tooth extraction stop abscess pain right away?
Removing the infected tooth can treat the source of the infection. Some soreness is normal after extraction and may take time to improve.
Can a dental abscess go away without treatment?
No. An abscess needs dental care. Even if the pain gets better, the infection may still be present.
Is tooth extraction the only treatment for an abscess?
No. A root canal may treat the infection while saving the natural tooth, depending on its condition.
Is a dental abscess an emergency?
Severe swelling, fever, trouble swallowing, or difficulty breathing needs urgent care. Other abscess symptoms should be checked by a dentist soon.