Abscessed Tooth: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Abscessed Tooth: A Dental Emergency

An abscessed tooth is a serious dental infection that can cause severe pain, swelling, and other complications. It occurs when bacteria enter the pulp of a tooth, which is the soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. The infection can spread to the surrounding tissues, including the jawbone and gums.

Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth

The most common symptom of an abscessed tooth is severe pain. The pain may be throbbing or constant, and it may worsen when you bite down or apply pressure to the tooth. Other symptoms of an abscessed tooth include:

• Swelling of the face, gums, or jaw
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Bad breath
• Fever
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Causes of an Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth is usually caused by a deep cavity that has not been treated. Other factors that can increase your risk of developing an abscessed tooth include:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Gum disease
• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Recent dental work
• A weakened immune system

Diagnosis of an Abscessed Tooth

Your dentist will diagnose an abscessed tooth based on your symptoms and a physical examination of your mouth. Your dentist may also take an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the extent of the infection.

Treatment of an Abscessed Tooth

The treatment for an abscessed tooth typically involves draining the abscess and removing the infected pulp. This can be done through a root canal or an extraction.

Root canal: A root canal is a procedure in which the infected pulp is removed from the tooth and the tooth is filled and sealed. A root canal can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted.

Extraction: An extraction is a procedure in which the entire tooth is removed. Extraction is necessary if the tooth is too badly damaged to be saved or if the infection has spread to the surrounding tissues.

In addition to drainage and removal of the infected pulp, your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

Complications of an Abscessed Tooth

If an abscessed tooth is not treated promptly, it can lead to a number of serious complications, including:

• Spread of the infection to the jawbone or other parts of the body
• Bone loss
• Tooth loss
• Sepsis (a life-threatening infection)

Prevention of an Abscessed Tooth

The best way to prevent an abscessed tooth is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Other tips for preventing an abscessed tooth include:

• Avoid sugary foods and drinks
• Wear a mouthguard when playing sports
• Treat cavities promptly
• See your dentist if you experience any pain, swelling, or other symptoms of an abscessed tooth

Conclusion

An abscessed tooth is a serious dental infection that can cause severe pain, swelling, and other complications. If you think you may have an abscessed tooth, it is important to see your dentist promptly for diagnosis and treatment.