An abscessed tooth is a dental condition in which the nerve, also called dental pulp, has become infected. The infection usually occurs when a dental cavity goes untreated and bacteria spread deep within the tooth. In these situations we may need to consider a pulp treatment if clinically appropriate.
Left untreated, an abscess can progress to a serious, life-threatening bacterial infection throughout the entire body. This is especially harmful to children, because their immune systems are not fully developed. In these cases it’s always considered a dental emergency and requires immediate attention.
Dr. Suarez Martinez specializes in dental care for children, young adults, and individuals with special needs. She truly believes that every child deserves personalized care and a warm, safe dental visit. Because she understands this important balance of positive dental experiences. As a mother herself, she truly cares for every child as if they were her own.
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If an abscess occurs in one of your child’s primary or baby teeth, it will most likely need to be extracted. Depending on the location of the extraction, a space maintainer may be necessary until the permanent tooth emerges, to prevent the surrounding teeth from drifting into the open space.
If your son or daughter’s permanent tooth has an abscess, the treatment options consist of root canal therapy to clean and remove the infection, or tooth extraction. Dr. Suarez Martinez may also choose to add an antibiotic to your child’s treatment plan. This will prevent the infection from spreading further into the jaw and bone tissue.
The good news about a dental abscess is that it’s easily preventable! Schedule regular exams with us to monitor and address any cavities in your child’s mouth. Also, making sure your youngster follows effective home-care practices, such as brushing twice a day and flossing, and eliminating excess sugar in the diet, are simple ways you can prevent an abscessed tooth.
