Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Call us Today!

(720) 828-5222

Dental Abscess Services in Thornton, CO

Home > Dental Abscess Services in Thornton, CO
At Glacier Peak Dentistry, we specialize in the removal and treatment of dental abscesses. For abscesses not of the dental variety, contact medical professionals.

What is a dental abscess? What causes them?

A dental abscess is an infection at the base of your tooth that, if left untreated, can swell, and cause facial swelling and other serious issues. Like all other infections, a dental abscess is caused by bacteria. This bacteria manages to reach the end of your tooth’s root deep in your jawbone. Upon arrival, the bacteria creates a pocket of pus — causing an infection. However, a bacterium is only able to reach your tooth’s root through a dental cavity or cracked tooth.

While somewhat uncommon, a dental abscess has many possible treatments:
  • Like all other bacterial infections, a dental abscess can be resolved with prescribed antibiotics. This is an excellent treatment option as it prevents the need for any other dental procedures.
  • A dental abscess can also be resolved with a root canal procedure. This operation enables us to potentially save your tooth, while still eliminating the infection. This procedure can be found at nearly all dentists and is an incredibly common way of treating a dental abscess.
  • If a dental abscess is too severe, tooth extraction may be needed. While this is not common, in certain cases it may be the easiest way to resolve an extreme dental abscess.
  • Another common treatment of a dental abscess is an oral incision. This is a small procedure done by a dentist that involves a tiny incision into the abscess to drain the pus. Then the infected area is rinsed with saline to prevent the infection from returning.

A dental abscess can only occur if bacteria enter your tooth via a cavity or cracked tooth. The best way to prevent a dental abscess is having proper dental hygiene and attending regular dental checkups to ensure proper oral health. We recommend brushing and flossing twice-a-day, and fluoride rinsing.

Call us today to schedule your appointment.
(720) 828-5222

Book Appointment