An abscess is a pocket of infection at the root of a tooth or in the gum. Here is what that means, the signs that make it a hospital emergency, and what dental treatment usually involves.
New patients: $20 for your first exam and digital X-rays · Se habla español
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for:
When you call, the team asks a few questions about what's going on and tells you how soon you should be seen.
6900 Lenox Village Dr, Suite 20, Nashville, TN 37211
1033 Sgt Asbury Hawn Way, Smyrna, TN 37167
1009 Murfreesboro Pike #101, Nashville, TN 37217
General information, not a diagnosis. What is causing a particular problem can only be told after an exam, and often an x-ray.
Usually starts when decay, a crack or an old injury lets bacteria reach the nerve inside the tooth, and the infection spreads to the bone at the root tip.
Can form in the gum beside a tooth, often where gum disease has created a deep pocket.
Throbbing pain, swelling of the gum or face, a pimple-like bump on the gum, a bad taste, pain on biting, or fever.
The infection sits inside the tooth or gum, so it generally needs dental treatment to remove the source, even if the pain changes.
A dentist examines the area and takes digital x-rays, so the cause is identified rather than guessed at. New patients pay $20 for this.
The dentist explains what was found, the options, and what each costs, before anything starts.
In many cases treatment can begin at the same visit. Where it can't, the first step is usually to address pain, with the rest scheduled.
Releasing the pressure is often part of the first visit.
Removes the infected nerve and keeps the tooth. Root canal.
When the tooth can't be saved. Extraction.
The dentist may prescribe antibiotics alongside treatment, depending on the case.
Published prices, quoted before anything starts.
Exam and digital X-rays
This is the visit where we find the problem and tell you exactly what the fix costs. New patients.
We quote your exact price before we start. Nothing happens until you say yes.
New patients. Covers the exam and digital X-rays only; any treatment is quoted before it begins. Treatment prices shown are self-pay and cover the listed procedure only. What you need depends on what we find at the exam, and you get the full cost in writing before any treatment begins.
Three offices in Nashville and Smyrna, published prices, and a team that speaks English and Spanish.
Tell us how to reach you and we'll confirm your visit, usually within one business hour.
Pick a time that works for you.
Or call (615) 657-4199 and we'll book it with you.