Decay or Trauma Can Cause Tooth Abscesses

Tooth abscesses are most often caused by tooth decay. This happens when a cavity forms but is not sealed. The cavity allows bacteria to enter the center of your tooth, where your tooth’s nerves are. This area is often referred to as the tooth’s pulp.

Once decay has progressed to this point, the tooth pulp becomes inflamed and infected. Although the pulp will usually die as a result of this, the infection may continue to spread. This will form a painful swelling around your tooth resulting in a toothache. Teeth that have experienced trauma are also subject to tooth abscesses. This includes teeth that have been broken or chipped—these can also allow bacteria to enter your tooth’s inner pulp and cause an infection.

Root Canal Therapy May Be Necessary

Once the inner pulp of your tooth has died, the tooth is essentially dead but can still remain in your mouth if the infection isn’t too severe. In order to save your tooth, you’ll need root canal therapy. Root canal therapy will clear out the infection from inside and around your tooth. The abscess may need to be drained in order to remove all of the infection. Once this is done, your dentist or endodontist will seal the space to protect it from future problems.

Once the root canal is done, you’ll have a crown on your tooth to fully protect it. This is the best form of treatment for tooth abscesses as it allows you to keep your natural tooth and clear the infection. You’ll begin to feel better once the painful abscess is gone. In extreme cases, the infection and abscess may be so severe that the only option is to remove the tooth. This is why it’s imperative to know the symptoms of a tooth abscess and seek treatment before it’s too late!

Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess

Not everyone will experience the same symptoms of a tooth abscess. Some people may not even feel pain. You may still notice sign or symptoms of an infection, though. These include:

 Red or swollen gums

 Pain when chewing

 A toothache ranging from mild to severe

 Fever

 Strange taste in your mouth

Be aware of the signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess. Seeking treatment with your dentist before it’s too late can save your tooth! Tooth abscesses can be extremely painful and also could put you at risk to lose your tooth. If you notice any signs or symptoms of an abscess, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with your dentist to ensure you receive effective treatment!

The post What Is an Abscessed Tooth and How Is It Treated? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Tooth Infection Can Lead to a Tooth Abscess

Your body is generally very good at fighting off infections, but when it comes to your teeth, your body has no way of getting antibodies inside your tooth. When there’s a problem with your tooth’s nerve, it will likely die. This may or may not cause symptoms. However, if the dead nerve is left untreated, it can lead to bacteria that can cause an infection.

Once this infection happens, it can quickly spread. If you simply have a tooth infection, your dentist will recommend root canal therapy in order to clean the infection out of your tooth’s nerve and seal up your tooth. This not only allows you to keep your natural tooth, but also prevents further infections or issues with that tooth from occurring.

If your infection is allowed to continue, the bacteria can accumulate and spread to the area between your jaw bone and your tooth. This is the beginning of a tooth abscess, and your body will react by trying to fight the infection. Your body may be able to effectively combat the abscess for a period of time, but the fact remains that your body will not be able to treat the source of the infection—your tooth’s root.

When the infection spreads to the jaw bone at the tip of your tooth, an abscess forms and generally tends to be swollen and painful. It may appear as a lump in your gums above your tooth. For some patients, abscesses are very painful. For others, they may not experience symptoms.

An Infection Will Always Be Present with an Abscess

Tooth abscesses are the result of an infection that often begins at the tip of your tooth’s root. If left untreated, the abscess can actually lead to a gum infection. If you catch a tooth infection or tooth abscess early, a root canal treatment may be all that’s needed. If an abscess is present, it will need to be lanced and drained in order to help your body heal once the source of the infection is removed.

If, however, your abscess has been going on for quite some time or the original tooth infection is not treated, an extraction of the affected tooth may be necessary. Tooth abscesses can spread and cause additional oral health problems. Remember, your body cannot respond appropriately because there’s no blood flow going to the dead root where the infection began.

Tooth Infections and Abscesses Require Professional Treatment

As we’ve addressed, your body can’t effectively fight off a tooth infection. You need to see your dentist for professional treatment to remove the infection and seal your tooth with root canal therapy. If the infection is left untreated, it can turn into a painful abscess, which can turn into a gum infection.

See your dentist if you’re experiencing any type of tooth pain or symptoms of a tooth abscess. The sooner you receive treatment for your infection, the better chance you have of saving your natural tooth and preventing further damage!

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