Years ago it was common for dental infections to kill patients. Since World War II and the discovery of penicillin, it is uncommon to hear of people dying from these complications. However, physicians and dentists have used antibiotics so much that a lot of the bacteria that were sensitive to antibiotics have been killed off and now many of the bacteria today can not be killed using traditional antibiotic therapy.

           Dental infections usually start with a dental abscess. A dental abscess is a small area of pus filled with living and dead bacteria, white blood cells, and a lot of junk. If a dental abscess grows it can push into the muscles that open and close the mouth. When this happens it is extremely difficult for a dentist to do anything because the patient can not open the mouth wide enough for the dentist to help. With these new antibiotic problems, it is even more important for everyone to take better care of their teeth and gums to prevent problems. Routine dental treatment will help keep your teeth and gums healthy so you won't form a dental abscess. Doing this can help you live a longer and happier life.

          Currently dentists try using one of the new generation antibiotics to kill off the bacteria causing dental infections. These patients should rest and not go to work and eat to strengthen their body's resistance. After taking the antibiotic, applying heat over the problem area helps bring blood, and the antibiotic, to the area. Some patients get worse and more dramatic treatment is needed for these patients. Some patients are hospitalized and given IV antibiotics. If there's swelling, the patient may have to be observed in the Intensive Care Unit to be sure that the swelling doesn't block off the patient's airway and cause suffocation. Incisions sometimes have to be made into the swelling to drain the pus that is causing the swelling to avoid this complication.

          There is no good reason to avoid regularly visiting the dentist every six months. The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. Our office accepts insurance payments so that insurance patients pay very little for this very valuable dental service. Call the Atlanta Dental Group PC now and make a dental cleaning appointment. If you are experiencing dental infections, our Atlanta Emergency Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, would be happy to see you. Call 404-874-7428 for your appointment.