A dental abscess is a painful infection that occurs when bacteria build up and cause pus to form around the root of a tooth or between the gums and teeth.
What is an Abscess?
An abscess is an infection. There are two types of dental abscesses. A periapical abscess happens at the tooth’s root, and a periodontal abscess happens in the gum. A periapical abscess can occur when decay enters the nerve chamber, killing the nerve and pulp tissue. Sometimes, a traumatic injury or crack in a tooth can damage the delicate nerve inside, resulting in the death of the nerve. Periodontal disease is a chronic gum infection that can weaken the bone and may result in bone and tooth loss if untreated. It can also trigger widespread infection throughout the mouth. Regardless of where the disease occurs in the mouth, if it goes untreated for too long, a pus-filled area forms, called an abscess.
What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of an abscess include:
- Severe pain and a throbbing toothache that can radiate to the jawbone, neck, or ear
- Hot or cold tooth sensitivity that lingers
- Pressure sensitivity
- Fever
- Facial swelling
- Bad breath
- Soreness in your neck and jaw from swollen lymph nodes
- Rotten or sour taste in your mouth
It’s important to mention that sometimes, an abscess causes no pain or suddenly disappears. The discomfort of a toothache is usually caused by the buildup of fluid or gases inside the tooth as the nerve dies. Sometimes, the infection works its way into the gum, creating a bubble on the gum. Once this bubble pops, the infection drains into the gum tissue and mouth, and the pain disappears. This doesn’t mean the infection is getting better; it just means the pressure is relieved.
What Does a Dentist Do to Treat an Abscess?
Once an abscess has been diagnosed, several treatment methods are used. Antibiotics can be prescribed to destroy the bacteria, but the central issue of an infected tooth, dying nerve, or periodontal disease must still be addressed.
If your abscess is caused by a dying nerve, a root canal may be recommended to clean out the infected tissue, shape the canals, and seal them with a rubber-like material. A crown or cap might also be placed over the tooth to help preserve the remaining tooth and prevent further breakage.
If the infection has spread too far and affected the tooth’s root, an extraction might be suggested, and an implant with a crown on top may be placed.
Root planing and scaling may be performed if your abscess is caused by periodontal disease. This deep cleaning is done with anesthetic and specialized instruments. Sometimes, lasers sterilize the pocket and prevent bacteria from reinfecting the area.
Preventing an Abscess
While you can’t always avoid a sudden traumatic impact causing a nerve to die, there are plenty of ways you can prevent decay-related infections and periodontal disease:
- Visit your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings
- Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day
- Replace your toothbrush every three or four months and never, ever share it with anyone
- Drink tap water or fluoridated bottled water
- Watch your sugar and carbohydrate intake because they are bacteria’s favorite food
- Use a mouth rinse before bed so it can sit on your teeth overnight
With some care, you can help prevent an abscess and periodontal disease before they develop, saving yourself the inconvenience and pain of a toothache and the expense of significant treatment.
Conclusion
A dental abscess is a severe infection that requires prompt medical attention. While it can be painful and inconvenient, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and restore oral health. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, you can take proactive steps to protect your smile. Our experienced team is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to help you overcome dental pain and restore your oral health.