Prompt, Compassionate Relief at Visident Dental Services

At Visident Dental Services, we know that a dental infection is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. For our homebound and elderly patients, the pain and swelling of an abscess can be especially debilitating.

You don’t have to worry about how to get to a clinic while in pain. Dr. Frank Andriani brings professional infection control directly to your home. Our goal is to stop the infection in its tracks, alleviate pressure, and ensure the bacteria does not spread to the rest of the body, all within the comfort of your own environment.

What is a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is a pocket of infection (pus) caused by bacteria. This usually happens when a cavity goes untreated for too long, or when a crack in the tooth allows bacteria to reach the soft "pulp" at the center.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore:

• Severe Throbbing: Pain that radiates to the jawbone, neck, or ear.
• Sensitivity: Extreme pain when biting down or when consuming hot and cold items.
• Swelling: Redness or swelling in the gums, or even visible swelling in the face or cheek.
• Fever: A general feeling of being unwell or a persistent low-grade fever.
• Bad Breath: A foul taste or odor that doesn't go away with brushing.

Important Note: If you are experiencing difficulty breathing or swallowing due to swelling, please seek emergency medical care immediately.

Our Approach to Stopping the Infection

When Dr. Andriani arrives for a house call, his first priority is your safety and pain relief. We use a specialized mobile protocol to treat infections effectively without the need for an office visit.

1. Mobile Diagnostics: We use portable, low-radiation digital X-rays to see exactly where the infection is located and if it has affected the surrounding bone.
2. Immediate Pressure Relief: To provide instant comfort, Dr. Andriani may gently drain the abscess at the bedside. This is a crucial step in "turning off" the throbbing pain.
3. Eliminating the Bacteria: We often utilize Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) or antimicrobial rinses to manage bacteria non-invasively. If necessary, we coordinate a course of antibiotics that aligns with your current medications.
4. Care Coordination: We work closely with your primary care physician or nursing staff to ensure your recovery is monitored and your overall health remains stable.

Why Speed Matters

For those with compromised immune systems or chronic illnesses, a dental infection will not go away on its own. If left untreated, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream (sepsis), leading to serious medical complications. By choosing a house call at the first sign of swelling, you avoid the trauma of an ER visit and the stress of medical transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If the pain goes away on its own, is the infection gone?

A: No. Sometimes the nerve inside the tooth "dies," which causes the pain to stop temporarily. However, the infection is still present in the bone and will continue to spread until it is professionally treated.

Q: Will the treatment be painful?

A: Our primary goal is to stop your pain. We use effective local anesthetics to numb the area completely before we begin any work. Most patients feel immense relief immediately following the procedure.

Q: Can I just take antibiotics instead of having a procedure?

A: Antibiotics can help your body fight the spread of the infection, but they cannot reach the source of the bacteria hidden inside a tooth. A dental procedure is necessary to physically remove the source of the infection so it doesn't return.

We’re Here to Help You Heal

If you suspect you or a loved one has an infection, don’t wait for it to become a hospital emergency. Dr. Frank Andriani provides the expert care you need to restore health and peace of mind without leaving the house.