Dental Abscess Treatment
 A dental abscess is a painful and potentially serious infection that requires immediate attention. At Summit Dental Group, with two locations in Fort Wayne and one in Huntington, Indiana, we provide prompt, expert dental abscess treatment to relieve pain, eliminate infection, and protect your overall health.
What Is a Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection in or around a tooth. It can occur at the tip of a tooth root (periapical abscess) or in the gums next to the tooth root (periodontal abscess).
If left untreated, an abscess can spread to other parts of the body and lead to serious complications. That’s why it’s essential to seek care at the first sign of symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of a Dental Abscess
Recognizing the symptoms of a dental abscess can help you get timely treatment and prevent further damage.
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Severe, Throbbing Toothache - Pain may radiate to the jaw, ear, or neck.
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Swelling in the Face or Gums - Often accompanied by redness and tenderness.
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Sensitivity to Hot or Cold - Especially if the tooth is infected or inflamed.
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Bad Taste or Foul Odor - From pus draining into the mouth.
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Fever or Malaise - Indicating that the infection is spreading beyond the tooth.
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Swollen Lymph Nodes - Particularly under the jaw or in the neck. |
If you notice these symptoms, contact our office immediately. Prompt treatment can save the tooth and protect your health.
What Causes Dental Abscesses?
Abscesses are usually the result of untreated dental problems that allow bacteria to invade the tooth or gum tissue.
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Untreated Cavities
- Decay can reach the inner pulp, leading to infection.
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Gum Disease
- Periodontal pockets can harbor bacteria that spread into surrounding tissues.
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Dental Trauma - Cracks or chips can expose the inner tooth to bacteria.
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Failed Dental Work - Old fillings or crowns that no longer seal properly may lead to infection.
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Weakened Immune System - Can increase the risk of infection progressing quickly. |
Preventive care and early intervention are key to avoiding painful dental abscesses.
How We Treat Dental Abscesses
At Summit Dental Group, we focus on eliminating the infection, relieving pain, and restoring the health of your tooth and gums.
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Drainage of the Abscess - Removes pus to relieve pressure and reduce pain.
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Root Canal Therapy
- Clears infection from the tooth’s interior and seals it to prevent recurrence.
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Tooth Extraction
- Recommended when the tooth is too damaged to save.
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Antibiotic Therapy - Prescribed if the infection has spread or to support healing after treatment.
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Pain Management - Includes local anesthesia, over-the-counter guidance, or prescriptions if needed. |
Our team will recommend the best course of action based on the location, severity, and cause of the infection.
Why Prompt Treatment Matters
Delaying treatment for a dental abscess can lead to serious complications, including:
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Bone Loss - Infection can destroy the jawbone surrounding the tooth.
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Tooth Loss - The infected tooth may become unsalvageable without timely care.
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Facial Cellulitis - A dangerous skin infection that can spread rapidly.
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Systemic Infection - In rare cases, bacteria can spread to the bloodstream, leading to sepsis.
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Chronic Pain and Swelling - Ongoing symptoms without resolution. |
The sooner we treat the infection, the better the outcome for your comfort and health.
Dental Abscess Treatment in Fort Wayne & Huntington
Our compassionate team at Summit Dental Group offers same-day or next-day emergency appointments for dental abscesses. With advanced imaging and a full range of restorative options, we’ll address the source of the infection and help you feel better quickly.
Whether you're experiencing your first abscess or have a history of dental infections, we’ll deliver the personalized care you need to heal and move forward confidently.
FAQs
Can a dental abscess go away on its own?
No. While pain may temporarily subside, the infection will remain and can spread. Dental abscesses require professional treatment to fully eliminate the infection and prevent complications.
What should I do if I suspect an abscess?
Call your dentist immediately. In the meantime, avoid applying heat, don’t attempt to drain the abscess yourself, and rinse with warm saltwater to reduce discomfort until you can be seen.
Is a root canal always required to treat an abscess?
Not always. If the tooth is too damaged or the infection is severe, extraction may be the best option. However, root canal therapy is often the preferred method for saving the tooth while removing the infection.
Does insurance cover abscess treatment?
Most dental insurance plans cover emergency treatments like drainage, root canals, or extractions. Our office will help verify your benefits and provide a cost estimate before beginning care. |
