Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess, is a tooth where the inner pulp has had a bacterial infection. This infection creates a pocket of pus that can form in different areas of the tooth structure.Book Your Appointment
Tooth abscess – Are there different types?
Here are the different types of dental abscesses:
- Periapical abscess – This abscess occurs at the end of the root of the tooth.
- Periodontal abscess – This abscess occurs adjacent to the tooth on the gum.
Who Is Most At Risk Of An tooth abscess?
People who are at the highest risk are people:
- Who have dry mouth – Saliva helps wash out your mouth and neutralize bacteria, less saliva will allow bacteria to multiply in your mouth and their by-product (an acid) will damage your teeth.
- Have a weakened immune system – A healthy immune system can help defend against infections.
What Caused My tooth abscess?
Dental abscesses have a number of reasons as to why they would occur:
Advanced Tooth Decay
Decay will break down the enamel on your teeth, causing openings.
Broken, Chipped, Or Fractured Teeth
A broken tooth can allow for bacteria to enter inside the affected tooth.
Gum disease (periodontitis) – The bacterial infection will attack deeper parts of the gum tissue.
Symptoms Of An Abscessed Tooth
Dental abscesses have a number of symptoms that may show up:
- Pain – If you are experiencing pain in or around your tooth it may be an abscess.
- Tooth sensitivity – Hot or cold temperatures will cause you moderate to severe discomfort.
- Foul-smelling breath/or a bitter taste – You may experience unexplained bad tastes and odors.
- Gum redness & swelling – The infection will result in these superficial afflictions.
- Loose teeth – The swelling may cause your gums or jaw bone to subtly change shape, resulting in loose teeth.
- Sore on gum – A visible sore may be seen on the gum itself, this sore be drain fluid also.
Dental Abscess – Complications
If a dental abscess is left untreated, the following may occur:
- Fistula – A hollow space in the bone and skin.
- Cysts – A fluid filled bubble on the jaw.
- Sepsis – Your body’s extreme response to an infection. It is a life-threatening medical emergency.
Abscessed Tooth – A Comprehensive Guide
A tooth abscess can be a scary, extremely critical, painful event...
Frequently Asked Questions - Absecessed Tooth
What should I do if I think I have an abscessed tooth?
See a general dentist immediately.
What Foods Should I Avoid With A Abscessed Tooth?
You should avoid the following:
- Hard foods
- Chewy foods
- Sugary foods like candy
- Food or drinks that are overly hot, or cold.
How Do You Treat A Dental Abscess?
A dentist will most likely suggest a root canal to treat your abscessed tooth. This will help prevent tooth decay and will save the original structure of the tooth. You can also get a tooth extraction if a root canal is too expensive.
Should I Go To The Emergency Room Or See A Dentist?
You should see a general dentist first, if they need to refer you to a specialist they will inform you of what to do.
