Some patients who have severe dental anxiety don’t go to the dentist when the first signs of a problem begin, this can eventually result in a tooth abscess.
Dr. Thoms and staff are Amazing! My son is Autistic and he loves it there. It’s always scary to put your child with disabilities under anesthesia. So it’s a relief to have such compassionate professionals to rely upon They are so sweet and kind to him it’s so nice to have people who genuinely care.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! Our team is dedicated to creating a comfortable and supportive experience for everyone who visits our office. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and for trusting us with your family’s care.
The Dental Anesthesia Center (DAC) is awesome. When I started there 19 years ago my dental health had deteriorated and my fears were intense. Their expertise and compassion got me back on the right dental track. I still get nervous - but things are so much better now in terms of my dental and gum health.. Don't lose hope - try the DAC!
My appointment today was for a cleaning - and a standard check of gum health etc. Carrie - as always - did EXCELLENT work. She is very kind and thorough and knowledgeable .. and patiently answers all my questions. Carrie is positive and supportive with us patients ... and provides guidance on better at-home care for our teeth and gums.
My thanks also to the office staff who are very helpful with questions or concerns.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued trust and kind words! We're honored to have be part of your journey. It means so much to know we've made a lasting impact—your story is truly inspiring!
We’re very thankful to have found the kind folks at the dental anesthesia center. They are patient and informative with what’s needed and how it will get done. Big shoutout to Rebekah and crew at the front desk who always help us figure out all the paperwork and scheduling. Thank you Dr. Behl for your awesome bedside manner! Highly recommend to others
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to provide compassionate, helpful care.
The entire team at The Dental Anesthesia Center is exceptional.
Not only is Dr. Hoffmann a 10/10 dentist, but he is very trustworthy and only recommends procedures when necessary.
The dental hygienists are uniformly wonderful. During cleanings, they are gentle but are still able to carry on a conversation as they work.
If i moved an hour away, I would still drive my family here for any dental needs.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so grateful for your trust in our team and are glad your experience with our doctors and hygienists has been a positive one. We truly appreciate your support!
Wonderful place for my special needs daughter. She is not always cooperative. They are very good and patient with her. Thankful she can receive anesthesia at the office and not have to take her for out patient service at a hospital. Thank you to all the staff 😇
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and 5-star review! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Our team is grateful for your trust and is always committed to providing patient-centered, compassionate care.
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that can form in different parts of a tooth as a result of a bacterial infection. It is sometimes called a dental abscess. There are two types of abscesses, a periapical abscess and a periodontal abscess. A periapical abscess occurs at the tip of the root whereas a periodontal abscess occurs in the gums at the side of a tooth root.
But how can you identify the symptoms of an abscess, what causes them and how can they be treated?
Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess
There are a number of signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess. Some of them include:
Pain when biting or chewing
Severe and persistent tooth pain which can radiate to the jawbone, neck, or ear
Hot and cold sensitivity
Swelling in your face or cheek
Tender or swollen lymph nodes under your jaw
Discolored or loose tooth
If the abscess ruptures you could have a sudden rush of foul-smelling or bad tasting fluid in your mouth
Fever
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
If you have any signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess, you should contact your dentist immediately. In addition, if you have a fever and swelling in your face but you can’t reach your dentist, you need to go to the emergency room. A tooth abscess left untreated can lead to serious, even life-threatening complications.
Causes of a Tooth Abscess
The innermost part of the teeth that contains blood vessel, nerves, and connective tissues is the dental pulp. When bacteria invades this area, a periapical tooth abscess occurs.
Bacteria can enter through a dental cavity or a crack or chip in the tooth. It can then spread all the way down to the root. The infection can cause pain, inflammation, and swelling at the tip of the root.
It is not uncommon for patients with special needs to develop an abscess. This may be due to fact that they can’t care for their teeth properly perhaps because of a physical or mental disability. Other patients have severe dental anxiety and they don’t go to the dentist when the first signs of a problem begins.
Treatment for a Tooth Abscess
Treatment for a tooth abscess focuses on treating the infection and relieving the pain. Your dentist will likely start with taking an X-ray, depending on your symptoms. This will help him see whether or not the infection has spread to other areas.
Some of the possible treatment options include:
Draining the abscess – To get rid of the pus, your dentist will make a small incision to drain it. Then, they will clean the area with a saline solution.
Root canal – A root canal in when your dentist drills into the affected tooth to drain the abscess and remove any infected pulp in the area. Then, your dentist will fill and seal the chamber.
Tooth extraction – If the tooth is too damaged, your dentist may have to pull the tooth before draining the abscess.
Prescription antibiotics – If the abscess has spread beyond the abscessed area, your dentist may prescribe oral antibiotics to help your tooth heal completely.
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The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.
