Why Do My Teeth Hurt Northville, MI

Abscess Tooth Pain Means It's Time To See the Dentist

A tooth abscess, sometimes called a root abscess, is a pus-filled bacterial infection located at the point where the root of a tooth meets the jawbone. Sounds gross, right? Well, it totally is. It's also very painful, and can lead to serious health complications, up to and including death.

An abscessed tooth is one dental accessory you can definitely do without. The best way to avoid dental abscesses is to practice good oral hygiene all of the time. Many tooth abscesses begin with simple tooth decay or gum disease. Over time, these dental problems let bacteria reach deep within teeth and other parts of the mouth.

Teeth Abscesses Can Have Dangerous Consequences

Abscessed teeth can happen any time bacteria can reach inside of the teeth or gums. This can be because of untreated dental decay, periodontal disease, cracked dental work, or unsuccessful root canal treatment. Even a tooth injury can leave a tooth cracked and vulnerable to bacteria.

If you don't treat an abscessed tooth, tooth damage will become more severe, and the infection can spread. In the worst-case scenario, a dental infection can actually spread to your brain and kill you. (Maybe remembering that your teeth are so close to your brain will help motivate you to take better care of them!)

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Root Canal Procedure - Life’s Darkest Moment?

Over the years, root canals have come to represent the very worst that life can deal you. They seem to be on par with an IRS audit, or an in-law’s extended visit.

The fact is, when you come to us with the very real pain of an infected tooth, a root canal

The job of an endodontist is to clear out the tooth pulp, carefully clean the canal, and seal the tooth against further infection. This may take one or two appointments, depending on how many root canals are involved. Your endodontist will probably prescribe antibiotics until you’re completely healed.

So you see, dentistry isn’t the bad guy when a root canal procedure becomes necessary. When it comes to root canal pain relief, endodontists are the good guys.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.