A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that is caused by a bacterial infection. Bacteria enter the tooth either through a cavity, chip, or crack in the tooth and then spreads all the way down to the root. The bacterial infection can cause swelling and inflammation at the tip of the root.
If you have an abscessed tooth, it will not get better on its own. You require treatment from a dentist or endodontist who can help save your tooth. If you believe you have an abscessed tooth please contact the team at Saratoga Family Dentistry for an appointment. If you are unsure, continue reading to learn more about dental abscesses.
Different Types of Abscesses
There are different types of dental abscesses that can occur at different regions of the tooth for different reasons. The three most common types are:
Periapical abscess – An abscess at the tip of a tooth’s root.
Periodontal abscess – An abscess on the gum next to the root of a tooth. It might also spread to the surrounding tissue and bone.
Gingival abscess – An abscess on the gums.
Signs & Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess
- Severe, persistent, throbbing toothache that radiates to the ear, jaw, or neck
- Swelling in your face or cheek
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Tender or swollen lymph nodes in your neck or under your jaw
- Dental pain when chewing or biting
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Foul-tasting fluid in your mouth
- Foul-smelling breath
- Swollen, red gums
- Fever
Why An Abscess Needs To be Taken Care of Immediately
As mentioned before, an abscessed tooth won’t go away on its own so it is important to schedule a visit with a dentist if you have signs of one. If your abscess ruptures, the pain may decrease significantly — but you still require dental treatment. If the abscess does not drain, the infection may spread to your jaw and to other areas of your head and neck. You might even develop sepsis — a life-threatening infection that spreads throughout your body.
Treatment Options
Treatment for an abscessed tooth focuses on clearing up the infection and relieving your pain. Depending on the type and severity of your abscess, treatment options include:
Draining – A small cut will be made in the abscess to drain the pus. The area is then cleaned with a saline solution.
Root Canal – A root canal involves drilling into the affected tooth to drain the abscess and removing any infected pulp. The pulp chamber as well as the root canal will then be filled and sealed.
Tooth Extraction – If your tooth is too damaged, it might need to be removed before draining the abscess.
Antibiotics – If the infection has spread or you have a weakened immune system, you may be prescribed oral antibiotics to help clear the infection.
Foreign Object Removal – If your abscess is caused by a foreign object in your gums, it will be removed.
Contact Our Emergency Dentist Today!
You can reduce your risk of an abscessed tooth by practicing good oral hygiene and having regular dental checkups every six months. At Saratoga Family Dentistry, we provide endodontic services including root canals as well as tooth extractions to help with dental abscesses. If you believe you have an abscessed tooth please contact us to schedule a dental exam today.
