While certain dental issues can be managed at home temporarily until you’re able to get to the dentist, a dental infection — or a tooth abscess — is not one of them. When left untreated, a dental abscess can cause serious and even life-threatening complications. At Sunshine Dental, Corona dentist Dr. Bhavik Bhakta is dedicated to your safety and health and provides emergency dental appointments when necessary. In the case of an infected tooth abscess, don’t wait; call our office to schedule an emergency dental appointment as soon as possible so that Dr. Bhakta can help restore your comfort and treat your infection before it worsens. Keep reading to learn more about what signs and symptoms may mean you have an infected tooth in Corona, CA, how a tooth abscess may be treated, and what other conditions or events may be considered dental emergencies.

What is a tooth abscess?

A tooth infection, also known as an abscessed tooth, is a serious condition typically characterized by an infection in the pulp of the tooth. Tooth abscesses can be caused by several factors that allow bacteria to reach the inner structures of the tooth, including:

• Untreated cavity
• Compromised filling
• Cracked tooth
• Worn tooth
• Advanced gum disease (periodontitis)

What are the symptoms of a tooth abscess?

Tooth infection symptoms can vary from patient to patient based on the location of the infection, the progression of the infection, and other individual factors. Some common signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess that patients often experience include:

• Severe pain in or around the tooth
• Redness and swelling around the tooth and at the gumline
• A lump, bump, or sore
• Pus or draining
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Bad breath
• Fever

Do I need to see an emergency dentist for a tooth infection?

Dental infections and abscesses can progress quickly and lead to serious complications. Not only that, but an abscessed tooth can be extremely painful, and treatment can become more complex and difficult as it continues to progress. In order to prevent severe complications and worsening symptoms, it is critical to call your dentist right away if you suspect a tooth infection. At Sunshine Dental, we understand the sensitive and urgent nature of a dental abscess and offer Corona, CA Saturday and after-hours emergency dental appointments to address painful symptoms as soon as possible. Additional examples of dental emergencies that should be seen right away include (but are not limited to) having an adult tooth knocked out, a crown that falls off, a loose adult tooth, and continuously bleeding gums.

How is a dental abscess treated?

The treatment for a dental infection will depend on the nature and severity of the abscess and other individual factors. Following a thorough dental exam, which may include digital x-rays if necessary, Dr. Bhakta will recommend the most appropriate and effective tooth infection treatment possible. This may include draining the abscess, performing a root canal, administering antibiotic therapy, or another approach. Ultimately, our goal is to help you get the symptom relief you deserve and treat the infection to prevent serious complications and help restore your health.

Suspect a dental infection? Call for an emergency dental appointment in Corona, CA today

At Sunshine Dental, we understand that you can never plan for a dental emergency and that they often happen after hours or over the weekend — but we are here to help. If you suspect a tooth abscess or are experiencing another type of dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call and schedule your visit for Corona, CA emergency dental care with Dr. Bhavik Bhakta today.