Dental abscess can be painful- not to mention that it can become a serious condition caused if left untreated. It typically results from tooth decay, trauma to the tooth, or gum disease.
When faced with a dental abscess, seeking prompt treatment is crucial to prevent further complications and alleviate discomfort. However, one of the concerns individuals may have is the dental abscess cost. The cost of treatment varies. It usually depends on several factors. They include the severity of the abscess, treatment, location, and the dental care provider.
In this guide, we will explore the potential costs of treating dental abscess. Get ready to dive in the topic:
Tooth Abscess: What Causes Them?
Tooth abscesses are typically caused by bacterial infections. The common causes of tooth abscesses are described in the following section:
- Decay: Tooth decay or dental cavities is a primary cause of abscesses. The tooth enamel gets eroded when bacteria feed on sugars. Then they produce acids that leads to cavities. If left untreated, the decay can progress deeper into the tooth, reaching the pulp chamber where the nerves and blood vessels are located. This can result in an abscess.
- Untreated Dental Infections: Dental infections, such as gum disease (periodontitis) or an infected dental pulp (pulpitis), can lead to abscess formation. Poor oral hygiene, untreated cavities can give birth to infections.
- Dental Trauma: if you have sustained a trauma to the tooth, it can cause the tooth to crack, fracture, or become lose. These types of trauma can create pathways for bacteria to enter the tooth, leading to an abscess.
- Failed Dental Procedures: Sometimes, dental procedures like root canals or dental fillings may fail, allowing bacteria to enter the tooth and cause an abscess. This can occur if the restoration or treatment was not properly sealed or if there was a recurrent infection that was not fully resolved.
- Weakened Immune System: Those who have compromised immune systems or are undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, can develop tooth abscesses. If you have weak immune system, it can become harder for the body to banish bacterial infections.
Symptoms
- Symptoms of a tooth abscess include:
- Severe toothache
- Swelling in the face or cheek
- Redness and tenderness around the affected tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Fever and general discomfort
- Difficulty or pain while chewing or biting down
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or jaw area
- Pus or discharge near the affected tooth
- Difficulty fully opening the mouth
- Bad breath with a foul taste in the mouth
Treatment
The treatment of a tooth abscess typically involves the combination of dental procedures and medication. Your define treatment will depend on the severity of the tooth abscess. Below we have provided some common dental abscess treatment options:
- Drainage of the Abscess: The first step in treating a tooth abscess is to drain the pus. The dentist will create a small incision in the gum to drain the pus. Or maybe they can create a hole in the tooth to allow the pus to drain. This helps in reducing pain and promotes healing.
- Root Canal Treatment: if your abscess is a result of an infection in the dental pulp, a root canal procedure may be necessary. During a root canal, the dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans the root canals, and seals them with a filling material. This helps to eliminate the infection and save the tooth from extraction.
- Tooth Extraction: If your tooth has become severely damaged by the abscess, your dentist may extract it. This is done to prevent the spread of infection to neighboring teeth and tissues.
- Antibiotics: Dentists prescribe some antibiotics to eliminate the infection and prevent its spread.
- Pain Management: Pain relievers or prescribed medications may be recommended to alleviate discomfort and manage pain during the healing process.
Dental Abscess Treatment Cost
The abscess treatment cost varies significantly from one case to another. Below we have provided a list of cost of different dental problems.
- Drainage of the Abscess: The dental abscess drainage cost can range from $75 to $300, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the dental office.
- Root Canal Treatment: The cost of a root canal procedure can range from $500 to $1,500 per tooth. This cost includes the removal of the infected pulp, cleaning and shaping of the root canals, and filling the canals with a filling material. Additional costs may apply for a dental crown to protect the treated tooth.
- Tooth Extraction: The cost of tooth extraction can range from $75 to $450 per tooth. The cost can vary depending on the dental condition. If your case is too complex, or if you need sedation, then the cost will increase.
- Antibiotics and Medications: The cost of prescribed antibiotics and medications can vary depending on the specific medication prescribed, dosage, and duration of treatment at Emergency Dentist London Clinic. Generic antibiotics may be more affordable than brand-name options.
