Tag Archives: tooth abscess

Tooth Infection

Do I Have a Tooth Abscess or a Cyst?

The gums around my upper left premolar have been swollen since the summer of 2022. The gum tissue is tender, but it doesn’t hurt. My dentist said I have a chronic abscess, and I would keep the tooth or get it extracted. During my last visit, I expressed concern about the lingering swelling, so my dentist referred me to an endodontist. The specialist said she could do a root canal with 70 percent success, but she is unsure whether I have a cyst. She took an x-ray, so I’m unsure why she couldn’t see a cyst. She showed me a dark shadow on the x-ray where my gums were sore.

My dentist and the specialist mentioned a procedure to access the tooth root through my gum tissue and bone. I could choose that procedure first and a root canal later if it doesn’t work. I understand how I went from my dentist saying that I could keep the tooth or get it extracted to cutting through my gums and bone to see if there is a cyst or an abscess. Are there questions that I need to ask my dentist? Thanks. Sarai

Sarai,

Although dental schools teach about cysts, they are rare, and the risks of having one are small. An infection causes swelling in the gum tissue around a tooth. Root canal treatment will remove the infection. Afterward, you will see and feel relief.

An apicoectomy is a dental procedure that involves cutting through your gums and bone to access a tooth’s root(s). The suggestion of an apicoectomy for your tooth sounds like over-treatment. Additionally, it concerns us that your dentist allowed the swelling to continue without investigation and treatment. An abscess can leak bacteria and affect neighboring teeth and your jawbone, even spreading into your bloodstream.

Like other infections, tooth infections can drain your energy and cause malaise. Root canal treatment has at least an 85 percent success rate. The skill of a root canal specialist (endodontist) decreases the risk of root canal failure. The specialist has the latest technology and understands which techniques work best, even in complex cases. Afterward, your dentist will protect your tooth with a custom dental crown.

We recommend treating the infection promptly. If you are uncomfortable with your dentist’s and endodontist’s recommendations, you can see another dentist or specialist for a third opinion.

Dr. Miranda Lacy, a Plano, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.

Sedation Dentistry

Do I Still Need to See a Dentist If I am Taking Antibiotics?

Do I still need to see a dentist if I am taking antibiotics? I might have a tooth abscess, but I am not sure. I went to urgent care over the weekend. They gave me an antibiotic prescription for a possible infection. They looked at my tooth but said the gum seemed slightly irritated. They gave me discharge papers saying I needed to see a dentist, but I didn’t understand. If the infection goes away, I will be satisfied.

Why pay more to have a dentist look at my tooth and tell me everything looks good? Last year I had an infection, but it wasn’t a tooth infection. Still, the antibiotics knocked it completely out in 2-3 weeks. So I am thinking about giving the tooth the same amount of time, and I should be good. My girlfriend told me I shouldn’t take that kind of chance. I think the antibiotic will work. Is this emergency, and do I still need to see a dentist? I tried to avoid them whenever I could. Sorry. Thanks for your help. Henry

Henry – Your girlfriend is correct. A dentist needs to examine your tooth. Even though you may not have a regular dentist, you can find a dentist who accepts urgent appointments. A dentist will likely ask you to come to the office right away.

If your tooth is infected, it will need a root canal treatment to remove the infection. The dentist will replace the infected tooth pulp with dental filler material. You will most likely need a dental crown to protect the tooth from further decay or damage.

An untreated infection can spread to other teeth, your jawbone, and in the worst case, into your bloodstream. Find an emergency dentist and get the tooth examined and treated right away. Don’t wait two or three weeks to see if the infection clears. You can ask about nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation to relax you during treatment.

Dr. Miranda Lacy, a Plano, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.