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Do you often experience swollen gums? Swelling of gums is a common issue in family dentistry that specialists address. Many people assume having swollen gums every other time is normal so long as the condition comes and goes away with no need for treatment. Recurring swollen gums should never be ignored. It could be a sign of a serious periodontal disease. Swollen gums are not just painful but they may also interfere with your diet by making it hard for you to enjoy certain foods.
If you have been experiencing recurring swollen gums several times, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. This is one of the top warning signs of pending gum disease. If not addressed, you may suffer from an acute dental abscess which can cause permanent tooth loss. You will be surprised at how quick it is to recover from swollen gums. Your dentist Richmond Hill may use a local anesthesia to numb the area and then pierce it to let the infection out. The pain will go away and antibiotics can be given to ensure the infection clears completely.
What is a periodontal gum abscess?
A gum abscess is commonly characterized by symptoms such as swollen gums and pain. In most cases, the swelling will occur on the affected tooth. At first, you may experience no pain but as the days go by, it becomes painful and eating becomes a problem. The area of the gum that is affected is usually red, enlarged and inflamed. You may notice that the tooth is quite tender when you bite or sometimes the tooth becomes loose. These symptoms are common when the abscess is originating from a single tooth and not a general area. If you suspect you have an abscess, consult an expert in general dentistry to have it removed.
What is a dental abscess?
An abscess is a pus-filled sac that forms due to an underlying infection that has gone untreated for a while. There are people who are more prone to dental abscesses than others. For instance, stress and anxiety can put you at higher risk of this condition. Those who suffer from conditions like diabetes that weaken their immune system also experience dental abscesses very often.
How is it treated?
Treatment for dental abscess is quite simple. It is just the same as treating abscesses anywhere in the body. First, the abscess will be removed by numbing the area and piercing it for the pus to come out and then the area will be cleaned to remove bacterial contamination. Dentists normally use saline water or other antibacterial solutions after performing this procedure to make sure the area is properly sanitized. The patient will be given antibiotics or some anti-inflammatory medication as well as pain killers to take care of the symptoms.
After having the abscess drained, it is crucial to visit the dental clinic Richmond Hill and make sure the underlying condition is treated. If you are suffering from gum disease that causes frequent swelling, make sure this issue is resolved. Your dentist will ask questions to better understand your overall health and the best treatment for you. This will help you to maintain a healthy smile for longer.
Learn more about Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Health from Richmond Hill Dentists
