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Why You Can’t Ignore a Dental Abscess

middle aged woman has a-very toothache

A dental abscess is a painful infection that forms in the tooth or the surrounding gum tissue. It typically develops as a result of a bacterial infection that has spread to the root of the tooth or into the gum tissue. Due to the extreme discomfort, it is hard to ignore a dental abscess. However, if you are avoiding or delaying treatment because you think it will resolve on its own, you are probably wrong. All dental abscesses need to be treated by a dentist. At Mitzi Morris DMD, we are qualified to treat dental emergencies such as a tooth abscess or other sudden infection or injury in the mouth.

What are the Symptoms of a Dental Abscess?

Symptoms of a dental abscess may include severe toothache, swollen gums, fever, and difficulty swallowing. To relieve these disruptive symptoms, Dr. Morris will typically need to drain the pus and infection from the affected area, as well as prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection. If left untreated, a dental abscess can lead to more serious health complications, so it is important to call our Roswell dental clinic as soon as possible if you have symptoms of a dental abscess.

Steps to Take if You Suspect an Abscess

If you suspect that you have a dental abscess, it is important to seek dental care as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can take:

#1 Schedule an appointment with Dr. Mitzi Morris: Contact a trusted dentist immediately and explain your symptoms. Dr. Morris will work hard to see you on the same day, especially if you are experiencing severe pain.

#2 Take pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate the pain while you wait for your appointment.

#3 Rinse your mouth: Gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day to help reduce swelling and alleviate pain.

#4 Avoid certain foods: Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that may aggravate the abscessed area.

#5 Practice good oral hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth regularly to help prevent further infection.

#6 Follow your dentist’s recommendations: Dr. Mitzi Morris may recommend antibiotics, drainage of the abscess, or a root canal treatment. Follow our recommendations closely to ensure a speedy recovery.

What Can Happen If a Dental Abscess is Left Untreated?

Not treating a dental abscess can lead to serious health consequences, including those that threaten your comfort, your smile and your overall health:

Spread of Infection

If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, including the jaw, neck, and even the brain. This can result in life-threatening conditions like sepsis or meningitis.

Tooth Loss

A dental abscess can cause damage to the tooth and its surrounding structures, which may lead to the loss of the tooth.

Bone Loss

If the infection spreads to the jawbone, it can cause bone loss, which can affect the stability of the teeth and require more extensive dental treatments.

Chronic Pain

The pain associated with a dental abscess can become chronic if left untreated and may require more aggressive treatment in the future.

Weakened Immune System

Chronic infections, like dental abscesses, can weaken the immune system and make you more susceptible to other infections and illnesses.

Damage to Neighboring Teeth

If the infection spreads to neighboring teeth, it can cause damage and infection to those teeth as well.

Are you worried that you have an abscessed tooth? Call Dr. Mitzi Morris as soon as possible so that we can help prevent these potentially serious consequences. Our Roswell dental clinic offers full service dental care to patients of all ages, including emergency dental services when you need us most.

Posted on behalf of Mitzi D. Morris

1295 Hembree Rd, Suite B202
Roswell, GA 30076

Phone: 678-459-2990

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Our Patient Reviews

Mitzi D. Morris, DMD, PC

4.8/ 5.0

Based on 44 reviews

  • Dr. Morris is an excellent dentist. Her ability to relate to her patients makes her a stand-out amongst those in her profession. She practices dentistry with superior technique and care. Her staff is friendly, helpful, and accommodating. I feel she hires only the best! One special mention: I suffer from panic attacks at times- along with claustrophobia. Dr. Morris is the first dentist I have ever had who helped calm my fears. Thus, my experience exceeded expectations! Great service!

    Cathy Q
  • Definitely would recommend Dr. Morris to anyone. She has been my dentist for over 8 years! Dr. Morris is extremely personable and is serious about the completing the best care possible. Great established dental team! Very accommodating to your schedule.

    Kelly T
  • Great and very educational experience. Compared to my last two dentists this experience blows them both out of the water. The staff is very friendly, and very helpful. I had to go in for a total of four visits a few weeks apart from each other. They made me feel very comfortable the entire time and kept making sure I was pleased. Getting a deep cleaning went very smoothly. It was also brought to my attention that the way I was flossing was incorrect. And have since changed methods. I worked specifically with Dr. Morris. She was very nice, and took the time to explain things. Which is a huge plus for me. Dr. Morris and the staff members worked effortlessly together. I was comfortable enough to sit back and relax, strangely enough, while having cavities drilled and fillings put in. Billing and scheduling appointments, as well as follow up for confirmation of upcoming appointments was very easy. I will say my favorite part of the experience was how friendly of an environment the staff has created. That alone is deserving of a 5 star review, and the rest is honestly icing on the cake. I highly recommend this practice on all fronts and will continue using them!

    Eric F
  • I transferred from a long-term and very good relationship with my former dentist because of a move, and I was a little apprehensive about a new dentist. Dr. Morris has been great. She is friendly, patient-concerned and the office is new, comfortable and clean. Everyone seems to enjoy working there. I feel like I'm in good hands!

    Christopher P
  • Dr. Morris and her staff are very professional. Additionally, she as well as her staff have an excellent "bedside manner." The office is new and well equipped. If one has an appointment and an earlier one opens up, Dr. Morris offers it to her patients as she did with my last appointment.

    David G
  • I have never met a staff so nice and charming. This staff will make you feel comfortable and relaxed in Dr. Morris's Spa like office and everyone is professional and approachable too. Andrea R. explained the process of my appointment and procedures and is definitely a highly-educated and thorough dental hygenist -- SHE IS A ROCKSTAR. I'm so glad that Dr. Morris and her dental team have been my "go-to" for the last 5 years, and I wont be going anywhere else! Overall - A++ Dr. Morris...highly recommended to my family and friends!!!

    Adam O
  • I've been a patient of Dr. Mitzi Morris for many years, and recommend her without reservation. The office is modern. clean and spacious. The staff has always been welcoming and very helpful. And the women who work for her as dental technicians are fantastic; they do a professional and effective deep cleaning, but with a careful, gentle touch. It is clear to me that Dr. Morris reads her professional journals and upgrades her practice to stay very current with the latest best practices in dentistry. (I have had some dentists who stopped updating their practices after leaving dental school!) With Dr. Morris you can count on receiving the very latest dental technology. Her prices are very fair, and I have never been surprised by an unexpected cost or had problems with insurance not covering services rendered.

    Bruce C
  • I have never experienced an office so down to earth, so outgoing and so willing to satisfy. If you've grown to dread the dentist then lay down your sword and give this office a shot.

    Marc Mamane

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Contact Us

Phone

678-459-2990

Office Hours

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Address

1295 Hembree Rd, Suite B202
Roswell, GA 30076

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