Years ago it was common for an oral infection to kill a patient. Since World War II and the discovery of penicillin, it is uncommon to hear anyone dying from the complications of a dental problem. 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 antibiotic therapy.

           An oral infection usually starts 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 her 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 serious dental 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 an oral infection. A patient with an infection should rest and not go to work and eat to strengthen their body's resistance. After taking the antibiotic, applying heat over the infected area helps bring blood with the antibiotic to where it is needed.

          Some patients get worse and more dramatic treatment is needed. A patient with a severe oral infection is hospitalized and given IV antibiotics. If the problem causes 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 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. Our office accepts insurance payments so that our insurance patients pay very little for this very valuable dental service. If you have an oral infection and would like to consult with an Atlanta Dental Group PC dentist, call 404-874-7428 for an appointment.