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Dental Abscesses
Stuart, FL


woman getting help for her dental abscess at Colin M. McKinney, DMD in Stuart, FLA dental abscess is a pus that develops inside a person’s teeth or gums. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection that develops in the soft pulp of the tooth.

Sugar and starch from the food you eat tends to interact with the bacteria in your mouth to form plaque, which exists in the form of a thin film over your teeth. When plaque is not removed in time with regular brushing and flossing, the bacteria can reach the soft tissue of the tooth or gums and result in an abscess.

Types of Dental Abscess


There are three main types of dental abscesses:
•  Gingival abscess: This is only present in the gum tissue and does not move to the tooth or periodontal ligament.
•  Periodontal abscess: This kind of abscess begins in the supporting bone tissue structures of your teeth.
•  Periapical abscess: This starts in the soft pulp of your tooth.

Abscesses may differ in intensity and the location of your symptoms.

Symptoms of Dental Abscess


Common indications of a dental abscess include:
•  Pain in the affected region while biting or touching the area
•  Bad taste inside the mouth
•  Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages
•  Fever
•  Difficulty swallowing
•  Insomnia
•  Difficulty opening the mouth
•  General unwell feeling


While you may experience a combination of these signs, the primary sign symptom of a dental abscess is pain. This can persist in the form of throbbing and is usually intense. It typically begins suddenly and becomes increasingly intense. In some cases, the pain can travel to the ear, neck and jawbone as well.

Treatment of Dental Abscess


Treatment of an abscessed tooth involves removing the infection and relieving pain. Your dentist may begin the process by carrying out a dental x-ray to check how far the infection has spread. Treatment procedures include:
•  Draining the abscess: The dentist will make a small cut in the abscess to drain it out, and then proceed to clean the area with a saline solution.
•  Root canal treatment: This involves drilling the infected tooth to drain the abscess and clear out the infected pulp. This is followed by filling and sealing the pulp chamber and covering your tooth with a crown.
•  Tooth extraction: If your tooth is severely damaged, your dentist may remove it prior to draining the abscess.
•  Antibiotics: If the infection has spread beyond the abscessed region or you have a compromised immune system, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to eradicate the infection.
•  Removal of foreign object: If the tooth abscess is caused by a foreign object inside your gums, your dentist would remove it and then clean the site with a saline solution.


If you are suffering from a dental abscess and are unable to visit the dentist immediately, opt for an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen. Rinsing your mouth with saltwater is also beneficial in this situation. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a dental abscess, schedule an appointment with us at Colin M. McKinney, DMD by calling us at (772) 266-2223 today.
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Dental Abscesses • Colin M. McKinney, DMD • Dentist Stuart, FL
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a dental abscess inside your mouth, schedule an appointment with us at Colin M. McKinney, DMD today.
Colin M. McKinney, DMD, 800 SE Osceola St., Suite A, Stuart, FL 34994-2447 / (772) 266-2223 / stuartfamilydentistry.com / 2/13/2025 / Page Phrases: dentist Stuart FL /