A tooth abscess is a bacterial infection found in the inner part of the tooth where pus has collected and can cause moderate to severe pain in people who suffer from the condition. Tooth abscesses can occur when a cavity has gone untreated for too long or when a crack or chip in the tooth allows germs to find their way into the dental pulp (the inner, soft part of the tooth), leading to infection.
Once the germs have made their way inside, they will spread down to the root and cause both inflammation and swelling. Once inflammation occurs, it will force the pus into a tight space (known as the abscess) at the tip of the root where the swelling occurs.
Signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess include:
The following factors may increase your risk of a tooth abscess:
If you experience any of the signs or symptoms listed above, you should see your dentist immediately, especially if you begin to experience swelling in your face or feel feverish. If your dentist cannot see you immediately, you should go to an emergency room as these symptoms may indicate that the infection is spreading into your jaw and the surrounding tissue.
The only way to rid yourself of both the pain and the condition is to get proper dental treatment. You may feel a lessening of pain if the abscess ruptures, but you’ll still need to get professional help. The infection could spread to other parts of your jaw and beyond to parts of your head and neck. In a worst-case scenario, it could lead to sepsis, which is a potentially life-threatening infection throughout the entire body.
Beyond regular dental check-ups, your dentist may perform some specialised tests to confirm you have an abscessed tooth:
Treating a tooth abscess involves draining the abscess and ridding the area of infection. The tooth itself may be saved through root canal treatment, but in some instances it may need to be removed completely. Leaving a tooth abscess untreated can lead to serious, even life-threatening complications. Your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend the following:
While the area is healing, your dentist may recommend that you regularly rinse your mouth with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed to help ease any discomfort you may encounter.
You can prevent a tooth abscess from ever occurring by taking proper care of your teeth, eating a healthy diet and getting regular dental check-ups. Here are some general guidelines to ensure you have a happy and healthy mouth:
If you have questions about your oral care routine or feel like you may be experiencing the early stages of a tooth abscess, contact your dentist for an examination. Your dentist will answer your questions and determine if you need treatment for a tooth abscess.
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Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine