What Is a Tooth Abscess? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

A tooth abscess is a painful dental condition that can become life-threatening. It is the result of a bacterial infection at the root or surrounding gum area of the tooth. It’s easily missable in the beginning, but it is vital to know what the signs are before it becomes too late and complications become severe.

It is important to know the causes, signs, and treatment options for it to keep your mouth healthy. Tooth aches and pain, if not treated immediately, can lead to other problems in the mouth.

What Is a Tooth Abscess?

A tooth abscess is a buildup of pus that forms in the middle of the tooth at the root, or in between the tooth and gums due to a bacterial infection. This infection may be caused by uncontrolled tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or gum disease which allows bacteria to enter the tooth and gums, and then spread throughout the infected area creating an abscess.

There are primarily two types of tooth abscess:

Periapical Abscess: This occurs at the tooth root and is usually due to untreated cavities. It is also rare for the pulp to be infected with bacteria and have those bacteria spread out from under the tooth to affect an entire area.

Periodontal Abscess: This occurs in the gums adjacent to the diseased tooth, usually resulting from long-term gum disease (periodontitis). It is caused by a bacterial infection of the gum surrounding the tooth.

If not treated, an infection can extend to the jawbone or elsewhere in your body. In either case, it is important that early treatment be sought.

Causes of a Tooth Abscess

Dental abscesses are a result of bacterial infections, and several factors may cause them to develop:

Bacteria: The primary reason for an abscess is bacteria. Frequently, from an untreated hole in the tooth (cavity), where the bacteria strike through the hard part to infect.

Hygiene: Skipping regular oral care habits allow plaques to take hold on the teeth, which raises the chances of tooth decay and gums disease. Under such circumstances, it is not surprising that bacteria develop and a pus abscess forms.

Other Factors: Other conditions that can raise your risk of developing a tooth abscess include injury to the tooth (such as cracks or chips), having a weakened immune system (from diseases like diabetes), and, sometimes, past dental procedures that did not completely resolve the issue.

Practicing good oral hygiene and treating dental problems early can help prevent a tooth abscess.

Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess

A tooth abscess may have mild to severe symptoms. The key is to understand the symptoms now so you can get treatment before it gets worse.

Pain and Sensitivity: The classic symptoms of a tooth abscess are severe, sharp shooting pain that returns at intervals, combined with sensitivity to hot or cold, pressure when you bite down on the tooth, or swelling of the gum around the affected tooth. You can even have increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages.

Inflammation and Redness: Swelling at the site of the infected tooth or in the jaw can develop along with a red appearance to the infected area. A swollen jaw may even prevent you from opening your mouth fully.

Other Signs: Other signs include bad taste in the mouth, fever, enlarged lymph nodes beneath the jaw, and persistent bad breath. If not treated, an abscess may lead to threatening complications, including the infection spreading to other organs of the body.

When to Seek Help

If you have any of these signs and symptoms, especially if there’s unmanageable or intense pain, it is important to be seen at the dentist as soon as possible. A dentist can assess how severe the abscess is and inform you about possible treatment.

How Is a Tooth Abscess Diagnosed?

To diagnose a tooth abscess, your dentist will start with a physical examination of your teeth and gums. They will search for evidence of swelling, redness and infection. In some cases, the dentist may take an X-ray to see if the infection has spread and how far, and whether the abscess is affecting other areas of the affected tooth or nearby bone.

If needed, your dentist may order more tests to determine how severe the infection is and what’s the best way to treat it. An early diagnosis is also extremely important because you don’t want the infection to exacerbate and turn into a more complicated health condition.

What are the possible treatments for a tooth abscess?

The treatment for a tooth abscess is necessary to relieve pain and clear the infection. There are a few alternatives, depending on the type of abscess:

Antibiotics: When the infection is extensive or severe, your dentist may recommend antibiotics to help manage the infection. Antibiotics are administered for prevention of infection before and/or after treatment.

Drainage: One of the most typical ways to treat an abscess is by drainage. This loosens pressure and pain. Your dentist may need to make a small incision so the pus can drain out.

Root Canal Treatment: If the abscess has damaged the pulp of the tooth, root canal treatment may be necessary. Root canal therapy in Decatur is the process of partially or completely removing infected pulp and cleaning a tooth to prevent further infection. This procedure will allow you to keep the tooth instead of having to remove it.

Extraction: If the infection is severe and if no attempt can be made to save the tooth, your dentist will suggest tooth extractions in Decatur. This may sound like it’s a desperate last resort, but anything to stop this spread.

At-home care: As you’re waiting to see a dentist, relieve pain by rinsing your mouth with salt water and taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. But these are only stopgaps, so seeing a dentist is still important for care.

Prevention of Tooth Abscesses

To avoid tooth abscesses in the future, keep a regular oral care routine. Here are some key tips to follow:

Good Oral Hygiene: Regularly brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing can eliminate plaque and stop tooth decay, which is one of the common causes of abscesses. Don’t forget to see your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning.

Diet and Lifestyle: Eating healthy, well-rounded meals and limiting sticky sweets and sugary drinks can lower the risk of tooth decay. You can also diminish your risk of infections by not smoking. Smoking weakens the immune system.

Regular Check-ups: Regular dental visits enable your dentist to find and treat problems before they become more advanced. Addressing issues early, such as cavities or gum disease, can stop the formation of abscesses.

When to See a Dentist

If you have intense pain, swelling, or other signs of a tooth abscess, do not wait to call the dentist. If an abscess isn’t treated, the infection can travel to other parts of your head and body, such as your jaw, neck, or other areas like near your brain. The early treatment is the best way to avoid these risks.

Tooth abscesses can be extremely painful, even dangerous infections, and should be dealt with quickly to prevent life-threatening complications. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms of a tooth abscess, you must book an appointment with us right away.

Whether you need a root canal, tooth removal, or other dental treatments, our team is here to get you feeling better. Never ignore a tooth abscess. Make sure to call us today and schedule your consultation to safeguard your smile!

FAQs

Can a tooth abscess cause swelling in the jaw?

Yes, swelling around the infected tooth, jaw, and lymph nodes is a common symptom of a tooth abscess.

Is it common to have an abscess after a root canal?

While rare, infections can occur after a root canal, but they can typically be treated with antibiotics or further dental procedures.

Can a tooth abscess heal without drainage?

The infection cannot fully heal without drainage. Professional treatment is necessary to relieve pressure and remove the infection.

Are antibiotics always necessary for a tooth abscess?

Antibiotics are often prescribed to control the infection, especially if it has spread or is severe.

How long does it take to recover from a tooth abscess treatment?

Recovery time varies, but after an abscess is treated with root canal therapy or extraction, it typically takes a few days to a week for pain and swelling to subside.