What is a Tooth Abscess? Types, Symptoms and Treatment of Tooth Abscess
What is a tooth abscess? A dental abscess is an inflammation of different parts of the tooth caused by a bacterial infection. A tooth abscess is the result of a reaction of the body’s defenses against bacteria. Infection-causing bacteria are trapped in one spot, preventing them from spreading throughout the body.
The spot where the bacteria build up becomes inflamed, forming an abscess. An abscessed tooth can cause moderate or severe pain, which can sometimes spread to your ear or neck.
When an abscessed tooth is left untreated, serious consequences can follow.
Abscess Types
The types of dental abscesses appear and act according to their location.
The three most common types of abscess are:
Periapical abscess This is the type of abscess that occurs at the tip of the tooth root.
Periodontal abscess This type of abscess occurs in the gum next to the tooth root. It can also spread to surrounding tissue and bone.
Gum abscess. It is a type of abscess that occurs in the gums.
What are the Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess?
The main symptom of an abscessed tooth is pain that occurs near a tooth or in your gums. The pain usually occurs suddenly and intensifies over time.
Other abscess symptoms can be listed as follows,
- Pain radiating to the ear, jaw and neck.
- Pain that intensifies when lying in bed.
- Pain that occurs when chewing and biting.
- Fever and swelling of the face.
- Red and swollen gums.
- Sensitivity in the teeth.
- Loosening of the teeth.
- Bad odor in the mouth.
- Bad taste in the mouth.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and jaw.
- High fever
The pain is relieved when the inflamed area is punctured. As the pus is draining, a bad taste is felt in the mouth.
How Does a Tooth Abscess Occur?
Bacteria that get into your teeth or gums cause a dental abscess.
Bacteria that get into your teeth or gums cause a dental abscess. How an abscess occurs and its effects depend on the type of abscess:
Periapical abscess Bacteria enter the pulp inside your tooth, usually through a gap. The pulp refers to the soft inner part of your tooth. It is made up of nerves, connective tissue and blood vessels.
Periodontal abscess. It is caused by gum disease, but can also be the result of an injury.
Gum abscess. A hard toothbrush can be caused by food debris lodged between the gums or hard objects such as nut shells irritating the gums.
How is Tooth Abscess Treated?
Treatment for a tooth abscess focuses on clearing the infection and relieving the pain. Depending on your symptoms, your dentist may take dental x-rays. X-rays will help them see if the infection has spread to other areas.
Depending on the type and severity of the abscess, treatment options include
Draining the abscess. Your dentist will make a small incision in the abscess to drain the pus. It will disinfect and clean the abscessed area.
Root canal treatment. Root canal treatment involves drilling the affected tooth to drain the abscess and remove any infected pulp. Then, your dentist will fill and seal the pulp chamber and root canal that holds the pulp.
Tooth extraction If your tooth is very damaged, your dentist may remove it before draining the abscess.
Antibiotic treatment. If the infection has spread beyond the abscessed area or you have a weakened immune system, your dentist may prescribe oral antibiotics to help clear the infection.
Removing the object from the gums. If the abscess is caused by a foreign body in your gums, your dentist will remove it and disinfect the abscessed area.
If you can’t see your dentist right away, you can use over-the-counter painkillers at home to relieve the pain. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can also help relieve the pain.
Be sure to consult your doctor before taking any pain medication. Tooth abscess is a condition that should be taken seriously. Do not neglect to seek treatment from UniqDent specialists as soon as possible.
